WEBVTT

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You

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Good morning, BlizzCon day number two.

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I am live here at the World of Warcraft stage.

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We had a super exciting day yesterday with some MBI with some Wild Forever,

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and it's going to be no different today.

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We're going to be starting off the morning with AWC.

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Tune in a little bit later for the MBI finals as well as some World of Warcraft panels.

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But for now, I'm going to hand it over to Rook,

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and we're going to break down the day a little bit further.

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Thank you so much.

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You know, this morning, I just snuck in and popped up on the Arena World Championship desk,

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and I couldn't be happier that security hasn't removed me yet.

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I'm kidding. Of course, I'm supposed to be here and honestly,

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I am so excited because I cannot wait for

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all the arena gameplay that we have ahead.

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Normally, while I'm on the MDI desk,

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I love watching arena, so being here live is going to be just as

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exciting for me as it is for all of you.

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Now, the teams that we are about to see are

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the best teams from around the world,

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and we can't wait to see what they're going to bring as they compete and clash,

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head-to-head cross region live at BlizzCon.

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I'm your host, Rook, and I'm here on desk with Ven, Sufa, and Ziko.

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This is going to be a huge day, and I mean, Ziko, day two of BlizzCon.

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How big has the event been, and have you been really loving it so far?

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It's been absolutely insane so far.

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I mean, just the energy, meeting everyone constantly.

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You're running into people that you knew from way back.

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And I think that has been the best part for me, just meeting old friends.

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And even Ven, like, this guy is one of my closest buddies,

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and I haven't seen you since, like, 2019 or something.

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He never returns my calls.

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So it's great.

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And of course, the announcements, especially the Warpath

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forever, I'm super stoked about that.

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So I've been trying the demos too.

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Yeah, it's going to be awesome.

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I mean, it's been cool to try it out here on the floor.

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And you know, Ben, you've been called out live now,

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so you better start responding to Ziko's texts, all right?

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I will.

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OK, great.

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Thank you.

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All right.

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But I mean, it has been a huge start to the event,

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but we have a whole other day ahead of us.

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And like we mentioned, Cross Region

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is pretty big for our amazing teams here.

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So seeing them face off is gonna be a really exciting event,

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but of course we have our schedule for the day.

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We'll be starting things out with the AWC tournament,

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of course, then we're going in for the grand finals match

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for the MDI, bringing that action since yesterday

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the schedule got shifted over to today.

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Now we'll also have another panel

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because yesterday's panel about Wow Forever

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was just the beginning.

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We'll be looking at evolving a timeless world

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later this afternoon,

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and then returning for the AWC tournament,

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But then another panel as well.

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So if you want all the information about what's coming up

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and all of the action and wow esports,

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then definitely stay tuned all day.

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You're not gonna want to go anywhere

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because between the panels and our competitions,

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we have so much world of Warcraft content

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for all of you from beginning to end.

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Now the Arena World Championship,

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if you aren't familiar with it or maybe if you are,

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follows a 16 single elimination bracket.

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It's a little bit different here at BlizzCon Live

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on the stage.

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We'll have our quarter and semifinals best of five,

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our grand finals best of seven,

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And then maybe you can give people a bit of a breakdown,

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whether they're new or old,

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about what they can expect from the competition today.

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Yeah, I mean, it's gonna be a very exciting day.

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We've got the six best teams from around the world.

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If we wanna take a look at the format,

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it's going to be something that we start on the Grand Arena.

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So each one of these series will start on the Grand Arena

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in a blind matchup where both teams

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are gonna be bringing their best composition.

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After that, the loser actually has a double advantage

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going into a, um, they get to select the composition as well as the map.

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So it's very intense.

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It is going to be very intense.

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And as we see everybody flooding into the hall, the crowds that have been

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waiting outside.

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Hello, day two of BlizzCon.

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We see you.

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You've made it in first.

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You'll get the best seats and everybody else.

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Be sure to come join us on the arena world championship stage as we kick off

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the day with some high octane eSports action.

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But of course, like we talked about the format, then thank you so much for

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taking us through.

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We'll see these teams face off on these different maps and the teams themselves we definitely need to talk about so

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Super maybe you can give us a loadout about who we're gonna be starting off with with a f tier and guild beam

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This is f-tears first time we're seeing a lot of their faces for the first time

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They're coming here as fresh North American roster. They are ready to tear up the scene

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You can see their name is f tier and that's for a reason. They came into the competition playing mismatched compositions

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They really wanted to make their stake in the tournament

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They didn't want to succumb to the meta,

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and they've managed to make it all the way

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to the global stage at this point.

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So I'm very excited, so much anticipation for them

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to get them and get that North America

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versus their blood going.

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I mean, I think that rivalry is huge,

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and especially when these teams are finally able to play

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against one another here, not separated by a region.

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It's something that they all want to really prove themselves

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as not just champions of their respective parts of the world,

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but of the world itself.

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And all the teams we have competing today,

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you'll be able to see here in our bracket.

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We've got some big matches coming up.

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And Ziko, what do you think, as we see everybody

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that's made it here to our AWC Grand Finals?

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Yeah, I mean, I am just super stoked

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because this is not typical for BlizzCon.

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We have a single elimination bracket.

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We have flown in the best teams from all over the world

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and they are competing for $300,000.

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So, I mean, the nerves have to be insane right now.

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You're gonna be playing in front of a crowd

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And just if you even mess up one time,

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that could be your ticket back home.

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So I'm super excited to see what the teams are actually

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bringing.

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Yeah, I mean, you want to show up and just show

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how good your team is in front of everybody live.

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But also, when you're thinking, there's $300,000

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that we can win, we could put our mark down

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in, wow, Esports history.

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Of course, this isn't where you want to freeze up

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or not perform your best.

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But some of the teams we have coming in then,

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they're a little bit of newer blood coming onto the scene.

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F tier, in particular, was kind of a big upset this past season.

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Yeah, I mean, it is really nerve-wracking for all of the teams

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because they don't get an opportunity to play against each other very often, right?

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So a team like F tier, this is a young team, like you said.

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We've got legends like Meat Monk, Saul, Dallas, and Laurel.

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All these guys are phenomenal on the North American realms.

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And some of the European teams don't really know what to expect.

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Like, how good are these guys?

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So I think this is a team.

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If you're looking for a wild card, someone who brings in interesting compositions,

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This is the team you're going to be looking out for and hoping it does well.

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I mean, we've been talking about it ourselves.

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And I mean, Zika, do you think they could win at all?

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I think any single one of these teams could win at all because they're all scary in their own rights.

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And like you guys already mentioned about F tier, they are coming in with, you know, they came in as a surprise.

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They took down Welcome to the Jung, which has been the titan in North America the entire season.

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You know, this is a team that we expected to be kind of Echo's rival for the longest time.

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and they have been but you know across the pond so the fact that they were able to cause that upset

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This is a team that can do some real damage here

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And this is just a team that if you do underestimate them, we've seen them take down the best teams

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So I think they definitely could yeah

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I mean the potential is there

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But I think they're going to have their work cut out for them because guild being who they're going up against is almost

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kind of in the opposite situation right in established roster one of the most

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experienced ones here in the field with Maro, Blizzo, Zepi and Lontar bringing

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almost a decade of combined top level EU AWC experience. I mean Super, when we're

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looking at them, what do you think Gildbean is going to bring in? Well, I mean

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Maro is a veteran and he came as close as you can alongside Blizzo in the

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previous Blizcon to winning the whole thing. There's one map away from winning

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it. He came out of retirement to reform this roster picking up Lontar on the

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side here with Zpie, and he's rounded out this amazing roster.

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He's managed to close it all the way through here.

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They had to beat Liquid from North America and a cross-region qualifier to get here.

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So they've knocked out C-Dos team to get this position here on the global stage.

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He wants this more than anything.

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This is what the players have been playing for.

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It's been seven years since we've had the last AWC,

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the last time Ekko's had to defend their title,

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and all these players are thirsty for that first place.

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I mean, like you said, everyone wants to prove themselves.

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I know that long-term in particular had some long-term ambitions of becoming a BlizzCon champion.

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So, I don't know, but do you think this is the year he can make it happen?

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Well, I have to wait and see. I mean, he did win the European finals when he was teamed up with Echo.

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So, I mean, this is a player that is obviously phenomenally good on the different healers

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that he does play. He brings a lot of experience, but it's different at BlizzCon, right? He needs

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to team up with these amazing players that do have that veteran experience, like Zebi and

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Mauro as well as blizzo blizzo obviously a champion in his own right so

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Yeah, there's a lot of experience on the roster this have to come and perform

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But I think a lot of people are expecting big things from this team

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I think there are two and you know we actually caught up with both of the teams ourselves before the event kicked off today

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So let's see what they had to say about the competition

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Now now we see them making it all the way aya in the grand finals have tears feeling pretty good

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We're just happy to be here, experience BlizzCon.

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We're a pretty new team.

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We formed, like, six months ago.

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It's definitely intimidating to be the least experienced team

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going up against teams that have been together for, like, many years.

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They're kind of young, like, new comers.

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We need to underestimate F tier.

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They're a really good team, and see what they bring to the table.

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Amy Josh goes down!

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No ice block will be used today.

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F tier's verse is just too much.

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Qualifying for BlizzCon was just all of our dreams coming true.

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Especially to beat a team like Dire Wolves was really challenging for us.

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It was a great moment.

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Can they do it? They do it!

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Cedru gets deleted!

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Unbelievable finish coming out from Guildbean.

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I think we're kind of good when we're winning

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and we're good when we're losing as well.

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And we're really good at improving from the mistakes we're doing.

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I think we just need to surprise them.

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Because if the spectators are playing, they will be confident.

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I think that's the weakness.

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No, wait!

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He greets it, and Guilt Bean are going to BlizzCon.

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I wish you good luck, but at the same time, I don't.

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So I see you and Darina.

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Hopefully the best team wins.

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You guys are a good team.

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You guys practice a lot.

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I wish you the best of luck, and you have the better team line.

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Yeah!

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I mean, you love to see the energy they all have coming in,

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and that sort of determination to just take down the other team,

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but also the just happiness of being at BlizzCon,

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which it seems like a lot of the teams were feeling to have made it here,

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but now want to go all the way and become champions.

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I mean, when we were kind of seeing it,

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Zika, what were some of your thoughts about how the teams are feeling coming in?

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I mean, I've had some time also to hang out with the players in the practice area,

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and it is very mixed emotions.

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You can kind of tell some of these teams,

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they're kind of keeping to themselves to being very, very serious,

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trying to keep their cards very close to their chest,

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and some of them are just trying to enjoy the event, have more fun,

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And it's coming across a lot and especially on F tier

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I think they have a really good mix of personalities there because I ran into Dallas and he was very bubbly

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He was very like just fun to be around and then

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He was hanging out a little bit with Waz and people like come here. Oh, don't don't hang out with this guy

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Like he wants he wants to know all our secrets

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So they have you know, they have some very like outgoing like fun people with the nails

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have some people kind of reel them back a little bit and be serious. So that's cool.

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It's good. You know, good balance on the teams all around and a lot of personalities across the

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board as they get to actually meet in person and now compete and kind of mix and mingle.

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And we will actually get to meet our teams ourselves as they come out and take the stage.

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So Aya, can we introduce the first two teams of the day?

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Yes, we can, Rook. I'm here. Did you just start? They are back there. They are ready to go.

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Are you guys ready for our first teams of the day?

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All right, man, you guys, we're late, we weren't here, there's nobody here, I'm glad those people are here now, amazing.

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All right, let's bring out our first team, F tier.

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We have Dallas, Saul and Laro.

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Alright, of course they're going to have an opponent.

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It is Guild Bean!

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Welcome Zephy, Lone Tar, Belizzo, and Maro.

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All right, let's give it up one more time for our first two teams up the day.

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All right, Rup, take it away.

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All right, I mean our teams are here. They are ready and they are settling in

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but we have to give our official predictions ourselves here as everybody

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in the venue coming in bright and early will start catching up with the

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competition as well. So let's see if we can weigh in and give our thoughts after

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your versus Guildbean Ziko. How's it gonna go? Why am I always first?

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We're trying to leech off of your predictions. You're so good with the best win rate.

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I had a good win rate in the regular season. Let's see how it goes this weekend.

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I am actually going to go in favor of my European boys,

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Gildbeen, they got so close, last BlizzCon in 2019,

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they were one game away from winning the entire thing.

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I think the experience that they have is going to shine today.

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I'm thinking it's going to be close though, 3-2 for Gildbeen.

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Okay, alright, Suba, how about you?

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I mean, it's the first BlizzCon back, I'm North American,

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I can't betray them at this point, I can't abandon them.

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I'm going with F tier for this, I think they're going to have a secret weapon,

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I think there's a curve ball from their roster in the wings waiting and I'm putting my faith in me.

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OK, I mean, we've got big breakout player and I feel like that faith is not misplaced.

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Then what are you thinking? Where are you leaning?

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I think my prediction is going to come down to a conversation I had with LaRose,

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where he basically said their entire team put their streams on the back burner

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and they have been practicing in war games essentially eight hours a day.

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So he said, no matter what happens, they put it all on the line for this BlizzCon.

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And I believe I believe in the dream of F tier.

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So I'm going to go 3-2 because I do not think this is going to be an easy series, you know

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I don't want to sweep across all the way here and just make you the odd man out Ziko, but I

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Kind of believe in the F tier dream look that zero to hero more Europeans on the desk

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Where's he?

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By as big North American on this side up no

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But honestly seeing F tier come in seeing them take down welcome to the junk

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I was shocked when I heard that they had come in and managed that kind of reverse sweep back up

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So I believe they can go all the way.

31:17.080 --> 31:19.360
I think they could be a big shock to the whole competition.

31:19.360 --> 31:23.560
So I'm going to say 3-2 in favor of F tier here.

31:23.560 --> 31:25.760
But of course, all of you at home can make your predictions too.

31:25.760 --> 31:28.040
So if you are watching or remotely get in the chat

31:28.040 --> 31:29.840
and let us know what you think.

31:29.840 --> 31:32.720
And of course, we will see the teams compete here in just a moment.

31:32.720 --> 31:34.320
They're going to be kicking things off.

31:34.320 --> 31:36.320
Supa, we've talked about them both,

31:36.320 --> 31:39.480
but do you think there's anything unexpected in store from these teams?

31:39.480 --> 31:42.880
I think there could be some tricks at the sleeves of Meep at the moment.

31:42.880 --> 31:44.720
He's found some new tech on that healer role

31:44.720 --> 31:46.280
And obviously we're playing in the new patch.

31:46.280 --> 31:50.320
So a lot of the teams have been adjusting to that and reiterating on their compositions.

31:50.320 --> 31:54.920
And he may come in on a specialization that two weeks ago, he was saying he would never play at this level.

31:54.960 --> 31:57.600
He might be coming in on it now that he's found a new discovery.

31:57.600 --> 31:59.920
So I'm very excited to see what he's got.

31:59.920 --> 32:02.280
I'm anticipated in that moment here.

32:02.280 --> 32:04.960
We've got Dallas and Saul, and I was talking to them in the lobby.

32:04.960 --> 32:05.960
And these guys are young.

32:05.960 --> 32:09.160
Their dads and their uncle got them into World of Warcraft.

32:09.160 --> 32:13.120
They were watching Ben Rookie playing in MLG back in the day, like over a decade ago.

32:13.120 --> 32:15.440
And now they're here. They're on the stage.

32:15.440 --> 32:20.000
We're watching them compete for their chance at their prize and glory.

32:20.000 --> 32:22.480
But their first opponent, this is not a cakewalk.

32:22.480 --> 32:25.680
This is an absolutely stacked European roster.

32:25.680 --> 32:28.680
These guys are absolute legends with Mauro there on the end.

32:29.000 --> 32:30.240
Laris here on the warrior.

32:30.240 --> 32:32.600
And this could be a very unexpected blind pick.

32:32.840 --> 32:34.760
There's been a lot of kind of meta discussion

32:34.760 --> 32:37.600
between Retribution Paladin and Warrior is the main composition

32:37.960 --> 32:38.880
for both of these teams.

32:38.880 --> 32:40.720
They could both likely run those cleave setups,

32:40.760 --> 32:42.400
but they also have the elemental shamans.

32:42.400 --> 32:45.360
And that's something that we don't get to see very often is that North American

32:45.360 --> 32:49.600
Ellie versus European Ellie, the North American warrior versus European warrior.

32:50.000 --> 32:51.280
Which one's going to come out on top?

32:51.920 --> 32:53.560
I mean, very interesting points, right?

32:53.840 --> 32:57.440
I think especially in arena, those picks, how you're going to use them, how that

32:57.440 --> 32:59.920
team can then kind of combat or come back with it.

32:59.920 --> 33:00.560
That's huge.

33:00.560 --> 33:04.120
And it can shift very drastically what the teams are able to accomplish, especially

33:04.120 --> 33:07.680
coming into something that's a bit newer with this sort of season to end to be

33:07.880 --> 33:09.720
picks and meta that might still be taking shape.

33:10.000 --> 33:12.320
But we know that there are some really strong players for all of these

33:12.320 --> 33:14.480
I mean, Blizzo, I think, on guilt being fed,

33:14.480 --> 33:16.520
was really well known for Warrior.

33:16.520 --> 33:18.780
I mean, he's a phenomenal player in general.

33:18.780 --> 33:20.040
Blizzo, an absolute legend.

33:20.040 --> 33:21.840
And I'm curious to see if he does lock in that Warrior.

33:21.840 --> 33:25.000
That's what we know him for, his specialty on that class.

33:25.000 --> 33:29.320
So this team has a huge depth in their roster

33:29.320 --> 33:30.680
that they can bring in.

33:30.680 --> 33:33.240
So I think this blind date is gonna be very interesting.

33:33.240 --> 33:34.360
I think so as well.

33:34.360 --> 33:37.000
Now, we are getting ready and amping up the teams

33:37.000 --> 33:38.680
already to wake up BlizzCon and all of you

33:38.680 --> 33:40.360
around the world as we come in

33:40.360 --> 33:42.000
for our very first series here.

33:42.000 --> 33:46.160
F tier versus Gilpeen in the arena world championship.

33:46.160 --> 33:47.760
We're gonna have blind picks.

33:47.760 --> 33:49.600
Do you have any expectations of Ziko

33:49.600 --> 33:50.760
since we've been talking about it here

33:50.760 --> 33:52.520
with the meta and the picks so far?

33:52.520 --> 33:56.880
Oh, I think we might see Maro come in on Boonkin perhaps.

33:56.880 --> 33:59.160
Maybe Boonkin warrior from Gilpeen.

33:59.160 --> 34:00.000
Oh, here we go.

34:00.000 --> 34:00.840
All right, here we go.

34:00.840 --> 34:01.680
All right, super.

34:01.680 --> 34:04.120
F tier versus Gilpeen, the first game of the day.

34:04.120 --> 34:05.680
What an exciting matchup.

34:05.680 --> 34:06.880
Here, Maro on the balancer.

34:06.880 --> 34:08.520
I couldn't ask for a better game.

34:08.520 --> 34:10.360
One here and Meat Monks on the misweaver.

34:10.360 --> 34:11.800
The current balls have been thrown.

34:11.800 --> 34:16.360
Blitz always getting blasted in the immediate first seconds of this match training on his guy by the sword.

34:16.360 --> 34:20.600
Saul and Dallas are firing massive cooldowns to make that initial exchange,

34:20.600 --> 34:23.160
switching some pressure to Maro, but here from the incarnation for Maro,

34:23.160 --> 34:27.920
he's going to need to line up cyclones actively in this matchup to remove the healing of Meat Monk.

34:27.920 --> 34:30.600
They're getting sleepwalks, but it's trekkered instantly by Saul.

34:30.600 --> 34:32.720
Great communication there to break that crowd control.

34:32.720 --> 34:36.360
Saul will recover, and this is a matchup that might be a little bit slower.

34:36.360 --> 34:39.000
I don't want to say that it's going to be too slow at this point,

34:39.000 --> 34:41.640
I think it's some good profit, but right now I might catch them off guard.

34:41.640 --> 34:45.400
Long-time makes another big exchange, and it's game one at BlizzCon.

34:45.400 --> 34:47.640
I think there's might be a little bit of jitters in these teams.

34:47.640 --> 34:51.400
They're making some very conservative trades that they might have been able to get away with.

34:51.400 --> 34:54.560
Yeah, I think as the day goes on, these teams will get more and more confident.

34:54.560 --> 34:56.000
A little bit of safety coming in here.

34:56.000 --> 35:00.320
Saul and Dallas, of course, have those huge, heavy-hitting cooldowns with the Ascendants,

35:00.320 --> 35:03.760
as well as the Incarnation, but they're on the backflip for the time being.

35:03.760 --> 35:06.760
They have a lot of cooldowns you can trade on if you need to, if you saw a lot.

35:06.760 --> 35:09.840
Looks like F-tier will stabilize good pressure here on tomorrow.

35:09.840 --> 35:11.920
Saw has a lot of damage loaded up right now.

35:11.920 --> 35:14.160
We get on to Maul, looking for some psychones.

35:14.160 --> 35:16.960
Can they find the crowd for, unfortunately, not able to?

35:16.960 --> 35:18.360
He falls the rules away.

35:18.360 --> 35:19.360
Two safety.

35:19.360 --> 35:22.960
You know, what's interesting here is Mika's actually playing the undead and not a known...

35:22.960 --> 35:25.440
He didn't expect to bounce through that thing in this matchup,

35:25.440 --> 35:26.800
and that might give an edge tomorrow,

35:26.800 --> 35:29.280
but at the same time, Blizzard's getting blasted, long-distance to trinket.

35:29.280 --> 35:33.520
And F-tier have forced a major cooldown every single time they get crowd control.

35:33.520 --> 35:35.080
If they can keep up this momentum,

35:35.080 --> 35:38.320
They will be able to close this game very soon, which is unexpected.

35:38.320 --> 35:41.620
This is a series that I was anticipating to take a much more up-tier time,

35:41.620 --> 35:45.820
but we see counter-aggression engaged by Maro and Blizzard with that avatar and incarnation

35:45.820 --> 35:48.680
glowing below their health bars, amplifying their damage.

35:48.680 --> 35:51.420
But the beatmuff makes the exchange alongside Saul and Dallas,

35:51.420 --> 35:53.180
and both teams are taking zero risk.

35:53.180 --> 35:55.620
Any time there's an engagement, they make a trade.

35:56.120 --> 35:58.120
Yeah, Saul on the run right now takes the damage.

35:58.120 --> 36:00.920
I love to see Loltar getting aggressive here with the disintegrates.

36:00.920 --> 36:04.120
On that preservation of Loka, really getting aggressive.

36:04.120 --> 36:06.960
I mean, Lone Tower, when he can't get aggressive in that Gila roll,

36:06.960 --> 36:08.640
really puts their team in a good position.

36:08.640 --> 36:09.300
He's not afraid.

36:09.300 --> 36:11.520
It's all right now, getting absolutely destroyed.

36:11.520 --> 36:14.120
And Meat Monk will trade out that Life Kiku to keep him alive.

36:14.120 --> 36:17.560
But that is a major objective that Gilbien just got out of the way.

36:17.560 --> 36:19.200
We're switching their attention on Dallas here.

36:19.200 --> 36:22.160
Dallas has been an MVP for this team after here

36:22.160 --> 36:25.360
throughout North America's reign of terror on his part.

36:25.360 --> 36:28.480
I'm really excited to see what he can do on the global stage here.

36:28.480 --> 36:31.600
He is taking on legend, Liz Del Maro in Lone Tower.

36:31.600 --> 36:35.360
with Dallas from the American, be able to step up to the plate and get a game one victory.

36:35.360 --> 36:39.840
Lake sweep engaged by me. Blizzo is isolated. Perfect crowd control and he's trying to greet it out.

36:39.840 --> 36:43.840
He's getting away with it. Goes for the intimidation shot onto the shaman here into the shockwave.

36:43.840 --> 36:49.520
Great lockdown for Marlton. Blizzo, during that assault, totally shut it down and Nana could

36:49.520 --> 36:53.840
likely be the name of the game between each healer that can be far below their health bar

36:53.840 --> 36:55.920
to keep your eyes on that as this game progresses.

36:56.560 --> 37:00.320
David's gonna get more and more typical for these healers as Dampening is just kicked in.

37:00.320 --> 37:05.460
Dallas down to half Sol, finally getting topped off there, but Morrow and Blizzo, their offense has been graded.

37:05.460 --> 37:09.660
The thing about these two teams is these compositions aren't common, Blizzo gets caught and is stunned.

37:09.660 --> 37:14.460
Could go down here, but Lotar picks them back up, but as I was saying, these compositions are not too common.

37:14.460 --> 37:18.720
I think both of them don't have a lot of experience in this matchup, so whether Kink might improvise,

37:18.720 --> 37:20.620
I find that Wickedish will be in a great spot.

37:20.620 --> 37:24.780
He said, alright, Morrow's just going to play storming on the entire roster, trying to get momentum going,

37:24.780 --> 37:28.060
but Morrow's bled out by Dallas, he's trying to keep his leads going,

37:28.060 --> 37:29.740
but Mara is actually out damaging them.

37:29.740 --> 37:31.260
Saul at the top of the leaderboard

37:31.260 --> 37:32.940
in that bottom left at the moment.

37:32.940 --> 37:36.140
They have to maintain maximum damage in this match-up.

37:36.140 --> 37:37.580
Should this match go to the defense

37:37.580 --> 37:39.180
as it's looking like it's closing close,

37:39.180 --> 37:40.700
airing closer to the four-minute mark

37:40.700 --> 37:42.220
and another stone engagement on the blizzard.

37:42.220 --> 37:43.340
But Meep's in the Cyclone.

37:43.340 --> 37:45.180
Dallas is isolated down at half.

37:45.180 --> 37:47.820
Meep is able to recover him between the Cyclones, though.

37:47.820 --> 37:48.380
Great teamwork.

37:48.380 --> 37:50.060
There's a lot of hybrid healing as well.

37:50.060 --> 37:51.820
But then Saul and Dallas, they can assist each other

37:51.820 --> 37:53.740
with rebokes and shooting surges

37:53.740 --> 37:54.940
throughout crowd patrol on Meep

37:54.940 --> 37:55.820
with paralyzing Gage.

37:55.820 --> 38:00.660
by Neep into the leg sweep. Neep is getting aggressive, picking his moments. They chain it into the Cyclone.

38:00.660 --> 38:06.700
They get two players to 50% and they force major defensive to those glowing icons below their health by diving the sword in the bark skin of

38:06.700 --> 38:11.000
Mauro. Great push from F tier. They're just playing conservative, but now a counter-off.

38:11.000 --> 38:14.840
Look at that pressure coming out from Guild Bean just seconds away from death.

38:14.840 --> 38:20.680
Neep defies it with left cocoon, but now Dallas is still low and Neep is trying to allocate his resources effectively to recover,

38:20.680 --> 38:26.740
but trading his trinket and left-handed leaves him as a liability. Dallas is still low at this moment in time

38:26.740 --> 38:30.020
and Dallas needs to do more damage. Is he gonna be able to do it in time?

38:30.020 --> 38:34.580
This is the ascendance from Saul. He is popping off right now getting a lot of damage here on Marlboro Blizzard.

38:34.580 --> 38:36.580
Lontar seems to be able to handle the pressure well.

38:36.660 --> 38:43.180
They're just playing very defensive, Marlton's in bare form taking out all the damage for the time being now pushing forward going after meat.

38:43.180 --> 38:47.320
One more time. Can they take him down? Down to 20% health and meat somehow recovers.

38:47.320 --> 38:49.760
T is on the run, getting behind the pillar,

38:49.760 --> 38:52.200
Adelaide recovering, but these swaps on the meep

38:52.200 --> 38:53.520
have been devastating.

38:53.520 --> 38:55.720
Almost lethal as Meep is running for his life

38:55.720 --> 38:57.720
around the corner, he's gonna need to find some opportunities

38:57.720 --> 38:59.760
to sip some tea at some point from this game.

38:59.760 --> 39:00.920
His man is starting to fall behind,

39:00.920 --> 39:03.120
a paralyzed engagement going after Morrow.

39:03.120 --> 39:06.320
Triple like sweep from Meep, he's not backing down

39:06.320 --> 39:09.120
despite his defense being limited right now.

39:09.120 --> 39:11.000
Dallas really needs to get something going,

39:11.000 --> 39:12.000
he was falling off on the meter,

39:12.000 --> 39:13.720
he's managed to pass Blizzard at this point,

39:13.720 --> 39:15.720
but he really needs to get onto the heels of Morrow

39:15.720 --> 39:17.240
in overall damage, so they wanna be able

39:17.240 --> 39:21.040
to take this. We see a spear bastion pinning the entire team. Another swap on

39:21.040 --> 39:24.380
Neath, and these teams are discovering their strategies throughout this game

39:24.380 --> 39:27.800
because this is a matchup that we have never seen at this level of play. The

39:27.800 --> 39:31.640
feral elemental versus the balanced rude arm squirter. The pressure is mounting on

39:31.640 --> 39:36.080
both sides. Will Saul topple? He has some options left. You can make sure he doesn't

39:36.080 --> 39:39.320
greet it. He leaps through behind the pillar. He's dispelled. Neath Mumpus, Neath Mump

39:39.320 --> 39:42.600
escapes from the solar beam, rolling back around the pillar, trying to recover the

39:42.600 --> 39:46.080
team. The dampening is getting higher. 27% healing eruption. Double pierce, fall

39:46.080 --> 39:47.680
This is a regular chopper totem.

39:47.680 --> 39:48.480
Aro gets low.

39:48.480 --> 39:50.040
Lontar trades the time dilation.

39:50.040 --> 39:51.080
They are starting to rot.

39:51.080 --> 39:53.880
That preservation evoker healing is starting to struggle.

39:53.880 --> 39:57.760
Yeah, this is a really scary situation here for a guild bean.

39:57.760 --> 39:58.720
They're all rotting down.

39:58.720 --> 40:01.360
Lontar struggling to keep them alive all down to half.

40:01.360 --> 40:02.360
Dallas gets cycloned up.

40:02.360 --> 40:04.120
Good control come in from Morrow.

40:04.120 --> 40:06.600
And they get enough control for Lontar to recover.

40:06.600 --> 40:09.160
Dampening is ramping, but Meatbone getting swapped to once again.

40:09.160 --> 40:11.640
Can he survive one more time than Carnation?

40:11.640 --> 40:13.480
This is the transcendence to get behind the pillar.

40:13.480 --> 40:15.920
He is out on a side, but at the same time, Dallas is low.

40:15.920 --> 40:17.540
a really difficult situation for me.

40:17.540 --> 40:19.680
Moral 2, navigate, Moral slow.

40:19.680 --> 40:20.880
Anyone can fall here, Sid.

40:20.880 --> 40:22.640
Lizzo, is he gonna be greedy right now?

40:22.640 --> 40:23.840
Dobbin, the short comes through.

40:23.840 --> 40:25.520
He will stabilize, and they just wanna go after me.

40:25.520 --> 40:26.440
They're trying to pressure the healer,

40:26.440 --> 40:27.280
keep on on his toes.

40:27.280 --> 40:28.880
They got him lower on mana at this point.

40:28.880 --> 40:30.360
Can they close out the game here?

40:30.360 --> 40:32.160
Gallows straight to Boxing, but his incarnation

40:32.160 --> 40:33.600
is coming up in just a second.

40:33.600 --> 40:35.200
Ascendence is coming up very soon as well.

40:35.200 --> 40:36.560
They might be able to take out Lone Top.

40:36.560 --> 40:39.120
It would be a major upset for Ziko's prediction here

40:39.120 --> 40:40.600
if they can manage to take it this year.

40:40.600 --> 40:42.320
In game number one, here comes incarnation.

40:42.320 --> 40:43.240
Lizzo is isolated.

40:43.240 --> 40:44.240
Are they ready for us?

40:44.240 --> 40:46.080
Long-turn to the stun, is he gonna greet it?

40:46.080 --> 40:47.840
He sits through it, he gets the rewind.

40:47.840 --> 40:49.960
And Blizzo will recover at that moment,

40:49.960 --> 40:51.360
and the mentality is now lost.

40:51.360 --> 40:53.240
Here comes Spirit Bastion attempt from Blizzo,

40:53.240 --> 40:55.480
pinning two targets, and he's going for the Warbreaker.

40:55.480 --> 40:57.520
Massive damage incoming, but Maro is rotting.

40:57.520 --> 41:00.040
Long-turn is struggling, Saul has defense, he can trade.

41:00.040 --> 41:01.840
Blizzo's falling behind, he gets recovered for a moment,

41:01.840 --> 41:03.360
just immediately cut back down.

41:03.360 --> 41:04.720
Long-turn deep-press to a new comfort,

41:04.720 --> 41:06.280
somebody follows it up with another cyclone.

41:06.280 --> 41:07.640
Beautiful cyclone from Dallas.

41:07.640 --> 41:09.840
Beautiful, pressure, Blizzo so critically low

41:09.840 --> 41:12.120
into the end-counter as well, but he time dilates.

41:12.120 --> 41:13.080
He should be able to recover,

41:13.080 --> 41:18.500
Maybe not into a rake stunt house and getting crazy cocked over that triple fear to shut everything down for a moment

41:18.500 --> 41:22.620
And Blizzo is back. He bought them enough time a hero play from from blizzo

41:23.180 --> 41:28.740
What a tense situation look at long-tar though down to half popsy of city and scales makes himself a little bit more durable

41:28.740 --> 41:35.260
Here, but this is such a back-and-forth match 40% dampening here in our game one of four a blizzcon

41:36.260 --> 41:39.160
Looking like he wants to get some aggression out here and find the site

41:39.160 --> 41:40.160
Loottar! Loottar!

41:40.160 --> 41:43.160
Loottar getting swapped too, could get dropped huge damage coming in.

41:43.160 --> 41:46.160
Dallas though in the cross attempt here by Gilbina.

41:46.160 --> 41:48.160
He's going for it Loottar, he's going for it!

41:48.160 --> 41:49.160
He's doing it!

41:49.160 --> 41:52.160
The Black Sweep comes in, Gaddys is so low on health.

41:52.160 --> 41:55.160
Loottar barely holds on by a thread.

41:55.160 --> 41:58.160
He has no mana left at this point, his entire team is rotting.

41:58.160 --> 42:01.160
If they can just stay on target, if they can just close it out, it can be a cross kill.

42:01.160 --> 42:02.160
There's no mana for me.

42:02.160 --> 42:04.160
Limited defense by Incarnation is up for Dallas.

42:04.160 --> 42:06.160
He has to connect with their spamming sleepwalk on Sol.

42:06.160 --> 42:08.160
He can't get the damage, Dallas gets caught.

42:08.160 --> 42:14.560
Big incarnation by Maro and Dallas will be dunked, Gildabean takes game one.

42:14.560 --> 42:16.560
Wow!

42:16.560 --> 42:22.560
What an incredible, I mean we thought, oh you know how long will they possibly continue?

42:22.560 --> 42:26.560
And yet this one dragged out so close between F tier and Gildabean,

42:26.560 --> 42:30.960
but Gildabean manages to get that kill and closes it out.

42:30.960 --> 42:34.960
I mean incredible to see here as they continue to sort of duke it out on the field,

42:34.960 --> 42:40.160
but this was exactly what I think at any time could have gone one way or the other battle.

42:40.160 --> 42:45.760
Oh, I mean, this was as close as it gets multiple attempts on Blizzo where he almost went down.

42:45.760 --> 42:50.240
Lontar as well, a really close ball. After you're gonna battle it out here to the bitter end,

42:50.880 --> 42:54.080
you know, to try to get the swim, but very unlikely they're gonna be able to do so.

42:54.080 --> 42:58.560
Lontar still has mana. Blizzo and Maro are looking good, but you can't blame them.

42:58.560 --> 43:01.200
They're there, they're finally tapping out. But what a game one.

43:01.200 --> 43:03.720
You know, you don't want to let go when you're so in it.

43:03.720 --> 43:06.760
And those moments where you almost had it are still so fresh.

43:06.760 --> 43:08.600
But I mean, honestly, both of the teams

43:08.600 --> 43:12.280
should be so proud because this was an incredible opening game.

43:12.280 --> 43:14.200
I mean, Supa, when F-tier came in,

43:14.200 --> 43:16.360
would we ever have expected them this past season

43:16.360 --> 43:19.080
to compete at this level with the top teams like Gilby?

43:19.080 --> 43:21.040
Oh, I think a lot of teams were underestimating,

43:21.040 --> 43:22.720
you know, maybe not long time in that interview.

43:22.720 --> 43:24.720
But some other teams, I think Echo in particular,

43:24.720 --> 43:26.080
were kind of underestimating them a lot.

43:26.080 --> 43:28.080
But I feel like they put on a show in that game.

43:28.080 --> 43:30.600
They got very close to getting kills on Blizzow,

43:30.600 --> 43:32.640
getting kills on Lone Tower in that match.

43:32.640 --> 43:33.920
They definitely can take this.

43:33.920 --> 43:36.480
I think map is going to be a critical factor as well.

43:36.480 --> 43:37.720
Like if they can pick a larger map,

43:37.720 --> 43:39.200
get it a little bit deeper in dampening,

43:39.200 --> 43:42.560
then Lone Tower won't recover in that type of situation.

43:42.560 --> 43:44.080
But at the same time, it's the first time

43:44.080 --> 43:45.960
that they've lost at this level of play.

43:45.960 --> 43:47.920
What is your response in that type of situation

43:47.920 --> 43:49.640
is almost more important.

43:49.640 --> 43:51.200
Yeah, I mean, and what they're going to do,

43:51.200 --> 43:52.520
I mean, we'll definitely still have to see,

43:52.520 --> 43:55.400
but we can get some glimpses into at least how things were

43:55.400 --> 43:56.520
set up at the beginning.

43:56.520 --> 43:58.040
Ziko, you were watching in more detail.

43:58.040 --> 44:00.240
So what were you seeing in the breakdown of this first game?

44:00.240 --> 44:04.760
I mean, first of all, there's a reason why everyone on this desk predicted a 3-2.

44:04.760 --> 44:06.460
That was a nail fight.

44:06.460 --> 44:08.400
That was as close as it could possibly get.

44:08.400 --> 44:13.600
I'm just sitting here glued on the screen, and I have no idea how Lomtar is surviving

44:13.600 --> 44:16.240
right before they get that incarnation back on Morrow,

44:16.240 --> 44:19.640
and right before they pull the trigger and actually land the killing blow there.

44:19.640 --> 44:22.240
I thought Gilbein is going to lose this game.

44:22.240 --> 44:26.680
And before that, I thought, hmm, actually, maybe F-tier is going to lose.

44:26.680 --> 44:29.200
So it was very, very back and forth.

44:29.200 --> 44:34.440
There was a moment where Vlizl managed to stall a really long CC chain there on long-term.

44:34.440 --> 44:37.680
He got a defensive fear on to stall, he got stuns on to stall.

44:37.680 --> 44:42.400
He was just buying time for his hero to get out of crowd control and to be able to survive.

44:42.400 --> 44:46.840
And both teams played, in my opinion, really, really exceptional.

44:46.840 --> 44:50.880
I couldn't detect any nervousness, anything like that.

44:50.880 --> 44:57.000
I think both teams just instantly locked in and gave us an insane game one.

44:57.000 --> 45:05.000
Yeah, I mean some people might still be waking up right now, but the teams showed up and they were like we're going to zero one hundred immediately at the very start of the day.

45:05.000 --> 45:13.000
And I know then you actually mentioned a bit about Longtarr's aggression as a healer and I was curious how do you think it kind of gives the team an advantage in some of those back and forths?

45:13.000 --> 45:22.000
The thing is both of these healers are kind of known for that a really aggressive playstyle helping their teams out in that moment, but we have to replay here that you can break down, Z.

45:22.000 --> 45:25.680
So this is the moment I'm talking about, he gets in cap road, he gets stunned,

45:25.680 --> 45:28.080
and Blizzo hits the triple fear right here.

45:28.080 --> 45:31.960
And if he doesn't do that, he's for sure toast right there, buying so much time.

45:31.960 --> 45:37.520
Then we got this moment here, where also Lantar manages to survive in this position.

45:37.520 --> 45:43.320
Looking absolutely crazy because they just swapped before that and had the FTR on the back foot.

45:43.320 --> 45:49.440
And again, here, Mauro gets his incarnation back up right after that close call that we just saw on Lantar,

45:49.440 --> 45:55.200
able to close it out. But this hero play here, you get such good defensive coordination because

45:55.200 --> 46:00.560
Morrow gets the Cyclone on to Sol, then Lizzo ducks back for a second, gets the triple fear.

46:00.560 --> 46:05.680
It's Sol as well with that. And then here also this leg sweep from Meepmunk was just phenomenal

46:05.680 --> 46:12.400
as well. But Lunter had the appropriate response. And nice in-cap roar there as well from Dallas,

46:12.400 --> 46:16.320
because sometimes when you run out of stuns, it can be nice to just throw a little in-cap roar.

46:16.320 --> 46:20.960
It does break on damage, but it can buy you an extra second where the healer actually can't heal and then here

46:20.960 --> 46:24.840
I mean at this point it's a battle of attrition where 40 plus percent dampening

46:24.920 --> 46:30.040
Maro has incarnation rotated back up meat won't guys know who that's no man up to respond to it

46:30.280 --> 46:33.560
And they just coordinate a good attack there to close it out. So

46:34.000 --> 46:37.400
This is I didn't even realize this was a 40 percent dampening game

46:37.400 --> 46:42.160
Yeah, if my head this was like, oh, this was a two minute game one minute game

46:42.160 --> 46:49.560
You know because it was just action packed from start to finish and it felt like both teams could land a kill much much sooner

46:49.960 --> 46:53.280
But you know place like the one that this will just make for example

46:53.440 --> 46:56.320
Is the reason why they're even able to extend it to that point?

46:56.600 --> 47:00.780
Yeah, I mean just seeing it continue to go on and on and on and yet both of the teams

47:01.360 --> 47:02.920
Playing at this caliber

47:02.920 --> 47:09.120
I mean it just goes to show how good this first series is and we talked a little bit during the game itself about some of the

47:09.120 --> 47:14.680
Perhaps like unusual comp picks at least as we come in and this meta sort of still sorting itself out

47:14.680 --> 47:19.640
But super what did you think the teams are trying to accomplish with the picks they brought in well for gild beam?

47:19.640 --> 47:22.200
They don't really have a you know a top tier rogue mage

47:22.200 --> 47:26.240
I think if they did they would likely be leading with that and so they've substituted in this balance druid

47:26.480 --> 47:32.000
And I actually balanced your it is phenomenal in the current meta some some things that struggles against but not particularly what f tier

47:32.000 --> 47:36.320
Have available. I think it can be great for the warrior. It can be great against the elemental shaman

47:36.320 --> 47:39.560
So it's just a really good pocket pick from Guild Bean.

47:39.560 --> 47:42.240
And I'm glad that they decided to break it out here.

47:42.240 --> 47:45.200
And that's like the main outlier to me, is that Balanceried.

47:45.200 --> 47:46.960
We haven't seen any of that throughout the season

47:46.960 --> 47:48.640
leading up to this point.

47:48.640 --> 47:51.280
And Mara is confidently locking it in here as well

47:51.280 --> 47:53.720
on Imperium Domain after you want that large map.

47:53.720 --> 47:55.120
But they also want the small pillars.

47:55.120 --> 47:57.080
So if the Balanceried is trying to retreat away

47:57.080 --> 47:59.120
from crowd control or Lone Tar is trying to retreat,

47:59.120 --> 48:00.720
they're going to be able to catch them a little bit more.

48:00.720 --> 48:03.280
But honestly, it seems like a pretty even match up

48:03.280 --> 48:03.920
between the two.

48:03.920 --> 48:06.040
So the map might not play too much of a factor.

48:06.040 --> 48:09.240
I do wonder if Ftier will make any major adjustments as far as comps,

48:09.240 --> 48:11.040
and this is where they're going to be tested, right?

48:11.040 --> 48:12.200
You come off a defeat.

48:12.200 --> 48:15.080
What's your response at the moment right now in this matchup?

48:15.080 --> 48:18.040
Because Gilbeam, they're just calm, cool collectors, just lock it in.

48:18.040 --> 48:20.000
They have to answer us that they've locked it in as well.

48:20.000 --> 48:23.480
They're going to be playing the same match up here on Imperium Domain.

48:23.480 --> 48:25.760
Yeah, they have gotten their draft picks in.

48:25.760 --> 48:29.200
And I mean, Ben, with this, you get a bit of an advantage to some degree.

48:29.200 --> 48:32.360
If you've lost, you have a chance to be able to kind of dictate a bit more

48:32.360 --> 48:34.120
of what you might be able to do in the next one.

48:34.120 --> 48:36.960
But with these teams, what do you think they're trying to do with these comps

48:36.960 --> 48:38.760
that are bringing in for this particular map?

48:38.760 --> 48:41.760
Well, I think for F tier, this has kind of been their best composition.

48:41.760 --> 48:44.320
So I think in the blind pick, they led with their best composition.

48:44.320 --> 48:48.280
And I think Gilbein knew that there's been a lot of mind games going on behind the scenes.

48:48.280 --> 48:50.920
You know, they haven't really been practicing with Dallas that much.

48:50.920 --> 48:53.000
If they're trying to make people believe that it's going to be

48:53.000 --> 48:57.000
Laurel's coming in for all these games, but Dallas is a phenomenal feral jurid.

48:57.000 --> 48:59.640
So it makes a lot of sense to me that after he's going to be locking this in.

48:59.640 --> 49:03.200
But to Gilbein's credit, I think they read the situation extremely well

49:03.200 --> 49:05.000
with the composition that they are running.

49:05.000 --> 49:06.120
And we talked about it.

49:06.120 --> 49:07.800
I mean, this is a single elimination tournament.

49:07.800 --> 49:09.320
Winning that game number one, you're definitely

49:09.320 --> 49:11.600
going to feel way more confident.

49:11.600 --> 49:14.040
So I think for F tier, as a younger, newer team,

49:14.040 --> 49:15.680
they need to really just take a deep breath,

49:15.680 --> 49:17.480
shake off that loss for the second game,

49:17.480 --> 49:19.680
because that was as close as it gets.

49:19.680 --> 49:22.160
Yeah, I mean, honestly, when you have a loss like that,

49:22.160 --> 49:24.600
you can't necessarily feel like, oh, we're out of our league

49:24.600 --> 49:25.040
or something.

49:25.040 --> 49:26.920
You're going, no, no, no, we almost had that.

49:26.920 --> 49:28.360
We can do it on the next one.

49:28.360 --> 49:29.760
And Ziko, they're going to need to,

49:29.760 --> 49:32.080
if they want to keep this a bit more even, right?

49:32.080 --> 49:35.440
So this is going to be a best of five, but of course, if you come in and take that first map,

49:35.440 --> 49:38.480
I think it could give you that mental boost coming into the rest of the series.

49:38.480 --> 49:42.880
Absolutely. But I'm actually feeling a little bit worried for Guild of the Beam,

49:42.880 --> 49:49.360
because I think that game number one was, it just came down to small clutch individual plays.

49:49.360 --> 49:52.160
I don't know how often you're going to be able to replicate that.

49:52.160 --> 49:57.920
For FTR, I think in general, the game looked a little bit better compared to for Guild of the Beam.

49:57.920 --> 50:01.840
So I actually think FTR is probably going to win this map, and I'm worried for Guild of the Beam,

50:01.840 --> 50:07.180
because it's nice when you won the first map to keep walking in the same thing

50:07.180 --> 50:10.340
until you're forced off of that comp. So I think they're doing the right thing

50:10.340 --> 50:14.460
right here, but if they end up losing here, do they actually have a different

50:14.460 --> 50:20.200
answer? We'll have to find out first. If the gates are open. Oh my god, they're just going immediately after Blizzow here,

50:20.200 --> 50:23.840
Lozier's gonna rescue him back on top of Sol and try and carry the warrior to the

50:23.840 --> 50:27.520
Shaman Shockwave Connects. They reverse it around with the snow bolt as well.

50:27.520 --> 50:30.960
Blizzow and Morrow can crowd-controlled up. Big pressure on Blizzow in this

50:30.960 --> 50:35.680
initial exchange. It does look like Blizzo is running that stone form as well, that dwarf

50:35.680 --> 50:39.280
warrior, which we don't see too often, but it's very effective against the Feral Druids.

50:39.280 --> 50:42.840
The lead effects in this matchup, and that with the preservation invoker is likely why

50:42.840 --> 50:45.480
Dallas's damage was struggling so much in game one.

50:45.480 --> 50:49.800
Yeah, Blizzo taking a huge hit of damage here early on, as after he was looking for an early

50:49.800 --> 50:53.640
win, Lontar will recover. He's not going to be caught off surprise, but it does feel

50:53.640 --> 50:57.400
like both these teams, they want to swap around, go after the healers quite a bit in the match,

50:57.400 --> 51:03.120
So, it's extra stress here for Mip and Lontar. They have to read that situation and stay ahead of the damage.

51:03.120 --> 51:07.480
Oh, big pressure on Blizzard. Lontar is getting a bit greedy here as he's deep-repping and doing damage.

51:07.480 --> 51:10.840
Well, his team is getting pressured in the early game and they're kind of just fishing.

51:10.840 --> 51:17.840
Trying to find a weak link in the first initial minutes of this game is huge loss at the speed of Bastion, the initial incarnations.

51:17.840 --> 51:23.160
They're trying to just clutch somebody off-guard in this initial stage, but both players are doing a phenomenal job.

51:23.160 --> 51:26.840
Long-Tar got stunned up for a moment, but immediately recovers at the time dilation.

51:26.840 --> 51:30.040
Dallas now starting to get whittled down a bit as he's leaving the charge,

51:30.040 --> 51:33.400
getting interrupted on Morrow into a Cyclone, shutting him out of the game,

51:33.400 --> 51:35.160
switching that pressure back onto the Azul.

51:35.160 --> 51:38.840
And I'm starting to think that they may have to do a healer swap to Long-Tar.

51:38.840 --> 51:43.480
The warrior playing for the long of a Cyclone scan with Morrow is a lot of defense to get through.

51:43.480 --> 51:47.000
Yeah, it definitely is. We're seeing a very passive game here from Dallas,

51:47.000 --> 51:51.080
and Saul, they're really just utilizing this pillar, trying to just get away from Blizzo as much as possible.

51:51.080 --> 51:53.720
but finally some damage here on to Saul.

51:53.720 --> 51:57.620
Look at Saul, just in goes for him, just playing very passive as much as he can.

51:57.620 --> 51:59.940
Blizzard taking some pressure right now, paralyzed onto Lontar,

51:59.940 --> 52:03.140
Blizzard's low on health, he trades up the dive on the sword, but is it gonna be enough?

52:03.140 --> 52:06.380
Looks like it will be for the time being, but a great push there by F tier.

52:06.380 --> 52:08.280
That's some big defensive cooldowns.

52:08.280 --> 52:10.580
Saul retreating, Meep dodges the solo being there,

52:10.580 --> 52:13.820
nice play from Meep to avoid that crowd control from the balance druid.

52:13.820 --> 52:16.380
Lontar using the obsidian scales a bit aggressively here,

52:16.380 --> 52:20.420
and he's been throwing nose, I think, onto Blizzard as well, to provide some defense to him.

52:20.420 --> 52:22.260
He doesn't have enough communion to fall back on.

52:22.260 --> 52:23.460
He's still the intimidating shot.

52:23.460 --> 52:25.580
Dallas taking some hits, trying to retreat,

52:25.580 --> 52:27.500
and leaps on the outskirts of the map as well.

52:27.500 --> 52:30.140
But they get stacked up for a shockwave, triple fire breath.

52:30.140 --> 52:31.300
They're going to cleave them down,

52:31.300 --> 52:33.620
but they reverse it with a paralyzing long-tri and isolate

52:33.620 --> 52:34.380
Blizzo for a moment.

52:34.380 --> 52:37.020
But that triple fear is just shoving them out of the game.

52:37.020 --> 52:38.700
It's always playing patient this time.

52:38.700 --> 52:41.260
He's going to save the medallion for that moment

52:41.260 --> 52:43.180
that they lost in game one when they got triple feared.

52:43.180 --> 52:45.340
He needs to save that medallion so he can trinket

52:45.340 --> 52:48.020
Tremor, his team to be able to close out the game.

52:48.020 --> 52:53.020
It seems like they're really picking their moment for offense, so whenever Neatmonk has the paralysis, that's when they're getting aggressive,

52:53.020 --> 52:55.020
but Sol will just trade out the burrow.

52:55.020 --> 53:00.020
At the end of that spirit bash, huge damage right now onto F-tier as Gilbein has had enough of them just running away,

53:00.020 --> 53:03.020
trying to really get the damage rolling, but it looks like they will recover.

53:03.020 --> 53:07.020
Cyclo now onto Neatmorrow, under fire just a bit. It is back and forth here in game number two.

53:07.020 --> 53:12.020
The Dallas is doing a lot better on overall damage, and that's going to be critical in this matchup at the composition,

53:12.020 --> 53:15.020
that these teams are leading with beautiful pressure on Blizzard as well.

53:15.020 --> 53:17.020
during this time they get the emerald communion.

53:17.020 --> 53:19.020
F tier are playing a lot more tactically.

53:19.020 --> 53:22.020
They're retreating, they're baiting Blizzle around the corner.

53:22.020 --> 53:25.020
They're isolating them to Stunlocking, but Neep does get caught by a Solar Beam.

53:25.020 --> 53:26.020
Is that going to be game over?

53:26.020 --> 53:30.020
Assault is critically low right now, Neep is repositioning, they're running, they're retreating,

53:30.020 --> 53:34.020
but will they be able to escape? Life Kikun will be forced from Neep's fingers

53:34.020 --> 53:37.020
as they switch to Dallas now in a stormboat around the corner.

53:37.020 --> 53:39.020
Neep repositioned, but he's caught in the middle of a map.

53:39.020 --> 53:42.020
Maro may be able to cyclone him in a moment, he does get the cyclone.

53:42.020 --> 53:44.020
Dallas is running down, he trades with the Incarnation.

53:44.020 --> 53:46.620
He's reversing it with damage, but he's met with so much pressure.

53:46.620 --> 53:48.740
Maro is winning the pressure race right now.

53:48.740 --> 53:51.820
Meet recovers once again, though, with insane heels.

53:51.820 --> 53:55.780
Maro targeted down, but not even finding his bar skin in this position.

53:55.780 --> 53:58.980
Defense is starting to get trimmed down on the side of F tier.

53:58.980 --> 54:01.620
You see that master shift in burrow, not available for Sol.

54:01.620 --> 54:03.340
He is likely a vulnerable target.

54:03.340 --> 54:05.140
And he's playing so defensive right now.

54:05.140 --> 54:08.380
The ring of peace comes down, so that will block Blizzo for the time being.

54:08.380 --> 54:09.980
And I think Sol should get topped off.

54:09.980 --> 54:11.300
Finally below Blizzo.

54:11.300 --> 54:13.940
Well, a huge hit of damage takes it down to 20% health,

54:13.940 --> 54:16.140
but Lonesheart quickly tops him off,

54:16.140 --> 54:18.340
and both teams have fully recovered in this situation.

54:18.340 --> 54:21.100
Salt is waiting for that very powerful Ascendance cooldown

54:21.100 --> 54:22.900
coming up in roughly 10 seconds,

54:22.900 --> 54:24.540
and that's going to be a huge opportunity

54:24.540 --> 54:25.700
for F tier to get aggressive.

54:25.700 --> 54:27.580
Another solar being connected on to Meep.

54:27.580 --> 54:29.780
That yellow icon means that Meep was interrupted,

54:29.780 --> 54:31.100
and he can't heal.

54:31.100 --> 54:33.580
This team locks down to 50% health as a result,

54:33.580 --> 54:34.700
and Maro is pushing in,

54:34.700 --> 54:35.780
but Blizzle is falling behind.

54:35.780 --> 54:36.940
That triple fear is available.

54:36.940 --> 54:39.740
Will Blizzle be able to land it like he did in game number one?

54:39.740 --> 54:40.900
He's still pushing the pace here.

54:40.900 --> 54:47.500
Bladestorming, cleaving the team, punishing the vent for spacking and playing defensively at the pillar trying to maximize his damage.

54:47.500 --> 54:50.760
Because right now, honestly, Maro is struggling on overall damage.

54:50.760 --> 54:55.500
His damage was much higher in game number one. He is going to need to step that up as this game progresses.

54:55.500 --> 54:57.960
Oh, big cooldowns available for Saul.

54:57.960 --> 55:01.200
Blizzow's low on health. Can they tie it up? FQ is going for it.

55:01.200 --> 55:04.660
Can they get the win? Cyclone here on the loans are Marwan, Blizzard above.

55:04.660 --> 55:09.860
But at the same time, Saul is under fire once again back and forth on game number two between these two teams.

55:09.860 --> 55:12.080
but it looks like F-tier will recover.

55:12.080 --> 55:15.240
A borrow really just struggling like you said to find that damage.

55:15.240 --> 55:18.520
When he needs it, Cyclone's coming up though, doing an excellent job in that regard.

55:18.520 --> 55:21.520
Blitz will blow on health, another incapacitating roar into a leg sweep.

55:21.520 --> 55:24.200
Lontar's in crowd control and Blitz is swapping out, holding on.

55:24.200 --> 55:26.600
Beautiful damage here by F-tier.

55:26.600 --> 55:28.740
Let me swap on Lontar, but he is ready for it, man.

55:28.740 --> 55:31.400
Lontar is just cold blooded on that healer right now.

55:31.400 --> 55:33.900
He's rescuing Blitz, and he gets to bring a piece away from it.

55:33.900 --> 55:37.120
And he's played by Meep, but Meep's caught in the open, he's in the Cyclone,

55:37.120 --> 55:38.840
And Saul has some options.

55:38.840 --> 55:39.680
Is he going to greet it?

55:39.680 --> 55:42.040
Another cyclone from Maro in this position.

55:42.040 --> 55:44.080
There's a waiting, finding time.

55:44.080 --> 55:45.920
Saul is so close to no big pressure

55:45.920 --> 55:47.000
to come in with that paralyze.

55:47.000 --> 55:48.200
Not enough damage, though, to finish it.

55:48.200 --> 55:50.720
Nice offheels from Maro with that regrowth.

55:50.720 --> 55:52.360
You see another pressure point here from Maro.

55:52.360 --> 55:53.800
Is he clips in, looking for cyclones.

55:53.800 --> 55:54.320
Looking for pressure.

55:54.320 --> 55:55.800
Saul for a major clue down.

55:55.800 --> 55:56.760
They're refusing to give it.

55:56.760 --> 55:58.960
They cyclone them at low health, stopping the damage

55:58.960 --> 56:01.000
and preventing his recovery at this moment.

56:01.000 --> 56:02.480
And for those that are still looking to connect,

56:02.480 --> 56:04.040
trying to march forward onto Saul.

56:04.040 --> 56:04.640
One charge there.

56:04.640 --> 56:05.280
Deep breaths.

56:05.280 --> 56:06.120
Two players.

56:06.120 --> 56:10.520
Meep is trying to assist, but he gets caught into a Cyclone, and Saul is on the run, and game number two.

56:10.520 --> 56:15.420
Are they going to be taking them all the way here? Meep Cyclone once again, and Saul is so greedy right now.

56:15.420 --> 56:20.420
Wrapping around the corner with Dallas, he gets caught in a massive tangle by Mauro, pinning him around the corner from Meep,

56:20.420 --> 56:23.720
and Meep is so patient. I cannot believe the greed they're getting away with right now.

56:23.720 --> 56:27.220
They're not trading any major cooldowns, and they managed to survive.

56:27.220 --> 56:31.420
Well, usually done. I mean, for FGR, the Durans are not getting to them in this matchup.

56:31.420 --> 56:33.980
they've seen more focus than even game number one,

56:33.980 --> 56:35.420
playing a very calm strategy.

56:35.420 --> 56:36.700
And they've had their moments of blizzard

56:36.700 --> 56:38.660
in this match, parallelized here on the long-tie.

56:38.660 --> 56:39.780
He trades up the Emerald Communion.

56:39.780 --> 56:43.340
So another major objective out of the way here for F tier

56:43.340 --> 56:45.340
as they play this very patient game,

56:45.340 --> 56:47.420
just using the pillar, trying to line the site.

56:47.420 --> 56:49.660
Gallus out at the same time, taking some huge damage,

56:49.660 --> 56:52.100
trades up the survival instincts to survive.

56:52.100 --> 56:54.180
That is a lot of pressure coming in from Guild Bean.

56:54.180 --> 56:56.100
All right, let's see what this pays off for F tier.

56:56.100 --> 56:58.300
It was around the nine-minute mark where we saw

56:58.300 --> 56:59.380
we can really get explosive.

56:59.380 --> 57:00.860
They've been playing a very slow game.

57:00.860 --> 57:04.620
If Saul has not used his medallion the entire game, they analyzed that.

57:04.620 --> 57:06.180
Saul probably used that aggressively.

57:06.180 --> 57:10.860
He needs to save it for a critical moment, and that's the mistake that they're correcting from game number one.

57:10.860 --> 57:12.980
Now in Dampening, they're swapping Lone Tar more.

57:12.980 --> 57:15.500
They see that he has no medallion. They see that he has no communion.

57:15.500 --> 57:17.300
Lone Tar needs to be the target right now.

57:17.300 --> 57:20.380
They can isolate him and take Morrow out of the game with a Cyclone.

57:20.380 --> 57:24.620
They can absolutely dunk on him, but they need to stay stable at the same time as they set that up.

57:24.900 --> 57:26.420
Oh, Blitz has low on health.

57:26.420 --> 57:32.020
He's Sol trying to take him down. Dallas just putting bleeds on everyone in this match. His damage is sky-high.

57:32.020 --> 57:35.460
That is a huge difference from game number one that Sol is under fire.

57:35.460 --> 57:38.740
He's out the Astral Shift trying to survive it. A Cyclone on Meatmonkey. Not gonna trade him.

57:38.740 --> 57:42.660
Not gonna trade it. It's greedy. Back and forth here. They're going after Lohtar. Can they take him down?

57:42.660 --> 57:44.020
The Spear of Bastion comes down.

57:44.020 --> 57:48.740
Both Sol and Lohtar are very vulnerable in this situation. Who is going to fall first?

57:48.740 --> 57:52.020
It looks like Lohtar will survive the legs, but he doesn't have the heals.

57:52.020 --> 57:55.060
He's going to wrap around the pillar here. Looks like he will recover.

57:55.060 --> 57:57.460
We'll keep stabilizing for a very scary moment.

57:57.460 --> 58:05.700
Dallas, no trinkets, stun lock, meep stun, no trinket, and game number two, and will Dallas hold on like the coup comes out in the nick of time at that point.

58:05.700 --> 58:09.700
Now, Sol is rotting down and they've been playing such a good game, such a solid defense,

58:09.700 --> 58:13.060
but Mauro sneaks in and gets a cyclone, and Dallas is critically low.

58:13.060 --> 58:17.220
Blizzo sends his blood in the water, and Europe are going to match point.

58:17.220 --> 58:23.300
Oh, how brutal, but so fast and definitive when they came in here at Acuverse, Gilbina.

58:23.300 --> 58:26.540
They are taking these points even after these deadlocks.

58:26.540 --> 58:30.260
There's another one here, as we see the rest of F tier begin to fall.

58:30.260 --> 58:35.500
I mean, these two teams are so closely matched in these deciding moments.

58:35.500 --> 58:39.180
All it takes is just a quick exchange and it tips the balance.

58:39.180 --> 58:42.300
Well, we look at it, I mean, Super, what do you think is making the big difference

58:42.300 --> 58:45.500
when they're deadlocked like this and sort of giving that win one way or the other?

58:45.500 --> 58:48.340
It just seems like the lethality from Marl on the balancerid.

58:48.340 --> 58:51.980
Just that little cutting edge on the star surge damage is enough to force the kill

58:51.980 --> 58:53.740
because they're getting really close on Lontar.

58:53.740 --> 58:55.580
It is just not enough to finish him in the stun,

58:55.580 --> 58:56.820
and then he's able to recover,

58:56.820 --> 58:58.100
whereas the bounce through the pressure

58:58.100 --> 58:59.140
is just more lethal.

58:59.140 --> 59:01.540
It's more threatening in this given matchup,

59:01.540 --> 59:03.140
and I'm trying to run the numbers here

59:03.140 --> 59:06.700
on how Dallas and Saul could make their team more lethal,

59:06.700 --> 59:09.780
bringing in with the Rhett warrior be better

59:09.780 --> 59:10.860
in this type of situation.

59:10.860 --> 59:13.580
Is it time to bring Leros in and go head to head,

59:13.580 --> 59:15.380
warrior versus warrior here in this matchup,

59:15.380 --> 59:16.540
because it just seems like

59:16.540 --> 59:19.020
they just don't have enough finishing power right now.

59:19.020 --> 59:19.860
I mean, it's true.

59:19.860 --> 59:21.020
Vent, do you have further thoughts?

59:21.020 --> 59:25.240
What do you think they could do to kind of make this something where they can be the ones that have that lethality?

59:25.740 --> 59:29.980
It's tough, right? Because we look at Dallas, we look at Sol, they're at the top of the meters right now

59:29.980 --> 59:35.580
So they're doing the most damage, but it seems like the damage is very spread out and Lone Tower are playing that preservation evoker

59:35.580 --> 59:39.700
They use playing the flame shaper as well. It's very good at dealing with that spread pressure

59:39.700 --> 59:45.220
So for Blizzard and Marvel, even though it seems like they're doing less damage, it's all basically on one target

59:45.220 --> 59:49.100
It's mostly on Sol. They're doing a few swaps, but for the most part it's Sol under fire

59:49.100 --> 59:54.060
So the strategy from up here seems to just be do damage don't die, but it's it been tough because they're not dying

59:56.020 --> 01:00:03.620
Yes, I would love to I think the biggest reason for what you guys are describing is the fact that tomorrow is just playing out of his mind right now

01:00:03.620 --> 01:00:07.780
On the boom team. There are so many moments where tomorrow is brought like here

01:00:07.780 --> 01:00:14.220
He's setting up the offense here with Cyclones on to meet month and that is what ultimately leads him to the kill

01:00:14.220 --> 01:00:17.580
So offensively he's on point with the Cyclones, but look here

01:00:17.580 --> 01:00:24.540
There's one with the long time long. There's got nothing more of a cast yet the precognition and immediately get psychone here on to Dallas

01:00:24.540 --> 01:00:26.740
And he's constantly making these place

01:00:27.740 --> 01:00:34.620
Immediately recognizing. Okay. I need a defensive cycle right now or my teammate is going to die or have to use big cooldowns

01:00:34.620 --> 01:00:38.340
And that is what's keeping them in the in the fight because earlier this game

01:00:38.460 --> 01:00:42.420
You've been made a huge huge error that kind of had you know

01:00:42.420 --> 01:00:46.720
ramifications throughout the entire match and that was that Lontar and Blizzo

01:00:46.720 --> 01:00:51.120
just panicked and over that all their defenses at one point and then because

01:00:51.120 --> 01:00:54.420
they had no defensives as soon as Emerald Communion rotated back up they had to use

01:00:54.420 --> 01:00:57.940
that and then they had to continue it just caused basically a bad chain of

01:00:57.940 --> 01:01:02.500
events for them which is what led to Lontar here having no trinket no Emerald

01:01:02.500 --> 01:01:06.320
Communion and no Rewind nothing and a situation like that is usually a

01:01:06.320 --> 01:01:09.820
guaranteed kill you just stun him, hundred over him the next time you have a big

01:01:09.820 --> 01:01:14.740
cool down now but because Morrow is playing ahead of what is going to happen

01:01:14.740 --> 01:01:19.860
he's kind of anticipating that this swap is coming he's there to block it and

01:01:19.860 --> 01:01:24.620
then even at the end here he's there to actually set up his team for the kill so

01:01:24.620 --> 01:01:30.380
for me this is just Morrow diff this entire game here and I mean they're

01:01:30.380 --> 01:01:34.220
lucky that they picked him up because Morrow was in retirement for a long time

01:01:34.220 --> 01:01:41.220
He came second at the 2019 BlizzCon, one game away, losing to Echo in game number seven.

01:01:41.220 --> 01:01:45.220
And he's back and he's looking as fresh as ever.

01:01:45.220 --> 01:01:49.220
That's to feel good. When you were so close last time, you finally come back and you're going,

01:01:49.220 --> 01:01:52.220
you know what, I'm going to be one that's making these big, decisive moments.

01:01:52.220 --> 01:01:58.220
And I'm going to be coming in so strong to hopefully win it, because I'm sure he has wanted to ever since

01:01:58.220 --> 01:02:00.220
he was so close to having it.

01:02:00.220 --> 01:02:05.100
But, you know, we can't discredit F tier either, because F tier has been playing very well,

01:02:05.100 --> 01:02:07.740
and I think their journey has been a really interesting one.

01:02:07.740 --> 01:02:10.740
You know, Van, you were highlighting how hard they've been practicing, but how do you think

01:02:10.740 --> 01:02:13.100
the team has grown since they first appeared?

01:02:13.100 --> 01:02:17.300
Well, I think at the beginning, I mean, Saul was just someone who only played enhancement

01:02:17.300 --> 01:02:18.300
showmen.

01:02:18.300 --> 01:02:19.300
Like, that was it.

01:02:19.300 --> 01:02:21.580
Meetmonk as well, mostly just playing that monk specialization.

01:02:21.580 --> 01:02:24.220
So they picked up these different roles, different specializations.

01:02:24.220 --> 01:02:26.460
They've added a lot of depth through the roster.

01:02:26.460 --> 01:02:29.060
And like you mentioned, I mean, they have been working really hard.

01:02:29.060 --> 01:02:35.420
this is a very stressful situation. This is the first game of the day and they're already in a situation where if they lose

01:02:35.420 --> 01:02:39.920
They're eliminated from the entire tournament like there's no loser's bracket

01:02:39.920 --> 01:02:46.580
So if you're a new team, I mean you really have to rise to the occasion because you haven't been in this situation before you can see

01:02:46.700 --> 01:02:49.700
Saul, you know, it's looking stressful up there if I was in his shoes

01:02:49.700 --> 01:02:54.460
I'd be feeling very stressed as well as I think this is composition that Gilbeen is bringing

01:02:54.460 --> 01:02:59.260
is it something they have a lot of practice into? So I think this is a surprise from Gilbein.

01:02:59.260 --> 01:03:03.760
And FGR really has to figure this out. It looks like they're going to be leading with the exact same composition,

01:03:03.760 --> 01:03:07.760
but yeah, they got to figure something out because this is a very dire situation.

01:03:07.760 --> 01:03:12.860
I mean, that's a tricky thing you can do, right? When you've won and you have the advantage of being able to come in and pick the bracket,

01:03:12.860 --> 01:03:17.260
or pick your draft right off the start, you can kind of surprise the opposition and go,

01:03:17.260 --> 01:03:20.760
hey, maybe we know that you haven't played against this as much this past season,

01:03:20.760 --> 01:03:27.320
And we can kind of try to make sure we lock this in because super if F tier can't win this one then they are out

01:03:27.400 --> 01:03:31.640
So how do you think they answer what guild bean has brought in? Well, there's taken to their guns

01:03:31.640 --> 01:03:34.520
This is their main composition. This is the composition that got them here

01:03:34.520 --> 01:03:39.160
So they're not throwing any kind of random composition and desperation like we have to do it with this

01:03:39.160 --> 01:03:43.800
How can we clean it up? I would say that their strategy is becoming predictable is the only thing

01:03:43.800 --> 01:03:49.200
They're going warrior early game and then they try to go long tarlaking, but they're leaving morrow completely open

01:03:49.200 --> 01:03:51.200
It seems like in balustrade is pretty durable target

01:03:51.200 --> 01:03:53.540
But it feels like a little bit more pressure thrown at him

01:03:53.540 --> 01:03:57.840
So he's not as confidently able to maneuver around me could definitely assist them

01:03:57.840 --> 01:04:01.700
Maybe that map backfired because meep was getting a caught a lot in the middle of the map

01:04:01.700 --> 01:04:03.660
So Melter access calcium another big map

01:04:03.660 --> 01:04:07.280
But the pillars are a little bit more sturdy a little bit more big wide in this position

01:04:07.280 --> 01:04:12.220
So if meep can avoid Mara they keep a little bit more attention on Maro and prevent him from carrying the game

01:04:12.220 --> 01:04:17.440
They have to shut Maro down. Yeah, I mean when you start noticing that there is a player who is a huge problem

01:04:17.440 --> 01:04:20.040
It's kind of on you to deal with that problem.

01:04:20.040 --> 01:04:21.880
And hopefully they will be able to,

01:04:21.880 --> 01:04:23.540
as we look ahead to this map,

01:04:23.540 --> 01:04:25.120
this is a swing map for them.

01:04:25.120 --> 01:04:27.180
If they're able to take it after,

01:04:27.180 --> 01:04:28.920
we'll stay in the competition.

01:04:28.920 --> 01:04:31.620
But if they lose it here, they are out.

01:04:31.620 --> 01:04:33.160
There are no second chances

01:04:33.160 --> 01:04:34.660
with a single elimination bracket.

01:04:34.660 --> 01:04:36.720
And we only have today to decide

01:04:36.720 --> 01:04:40.120
who our BlizzCon AWC champions will be.

01:04:40.120 --> 01:04:42.200
The pressure is on both the teams, no doubt,

01:04:42.200 --> 01:04:44.740
are feeling it and everybody coming into the venue today.

01:04:44.740 --> 01:04:46.600
We hope that you can cheer them on

01:04:46.600 --> 01:04:48.400
as we come in for this next map.

01:04:48.400 --> 01:04:50.760
But then, I mean, right now, as a competitor,

01:04:50.760 --> 01:04:53.040
I'm sure you know you must be feeling it.

01:04:53.040 --> 01:04:55.200
Yes, I'm very stressed out for these guys.

01:04:55.200 --> 01:04:56.880
You know, we're going into this third map,

01:04:56.880 --> 01:04:59.480
no lower bracket, very difficult situation to be in.

01:04:59.480 --> 01:05:01.080
And you're playing against not only a team

01:05:01.080 --> 01:05:02.600
you don't get to practice against,

01:05:02.600 --> 01:05:05.240
but also a composition you may not have that much experience.

01:05:05.240 --> 01:05:07.600
So for a team that likes to be well-prepared,

01:05:07.600 --> 01:05:08.720
this is stressful for F tier,

01:05:08.720 --> 01:05:11.160
but this team can definitely rise to the occasion.

01:05:11.160 --> 01:05:12.000
They're not out of it yet.

01:05:12.000 --> 01:05:13.600
And if they start picking up a win,

01:05:13.600 --> 01:05:15.960
they could start to believe and turn this series around.

01:05:15.960 --> 01:05:18.060
So this is a very important match, obviously,

01:05:18.060 --> 01:05:20.720
but I feel like if F tier can pick this one up,

01:05:20.720 --> 01:05:23.000
things might start snowballing in their direction.

01:05:23.000 --> 01:05:25.960
I mean, sometimes, right, if you can change that cadence,

01:05:25.960 --> 01:05:27.600
if you can change what's been happening,

01:05:27.600 --> 01:05:30.260
it does set the opposition kind of at this weird place

01:05:30.260 --> 01:05:32.040
where they're kind of scrambling to answer.

01:05:32.040 --> 01:05:33.300
So yeah, if they can win this,

01:05:33.300 --> 01:05:34.920
it's possible that they can start setting

01:05:34.920 --> 01:05:36.860
the kind of pace for the rest of this series.

01:05:36.860 --> 01:05:39.600
But of course, they are experienced players.

01:05:39.600 --> 01:05:42.960
They have seen a lot in their years playing in the AWC suit.

01:05:42.960 --> 01:05:46.800
So do you think that they would be shaken in this moment or do you think right now?

01:05:46.800 --> 01:05:47.920
They're just going you know what?

01:05:47.920 --> 01:05:52.600
We've won these two and we think that we can take this one ourselves. I think they're gonna get locked in here

01:05:52.600 --> 01:05:56.360
I think both these teams are about to dial in the stress is high at single elimination

01:05:56.360 --> 01:05:59.800
There's no more second chances after you need to win three games in a row

01:05:59.800 --> 01:06:03.760
And they are fighting one of Europe's finest roster one of the most legendary

01:06:04.260 --> 01:06:10.680
rosters honestly of all time that's been crafted on their side in this newcomers playing non meta compositions

01:06:10.680 --> 01:06:15.960
You know, I'm proud of what they've been able to do up to this point. They dismantled the dynasties in North America

01:06:15.960 --> 01:06:19.500
And I think they can still do it. I still believe in F tier. I believe in the comeback

01:06:19.500 --> 01:06:25.520
I mean, I think I do too. We love it here on our home turf and a F tier coming in

01:06:25.520 --> 01:06:26.960
They have to win this one or they are out

01:06:26.960 --> 01:06:31.600
But the pressure is on because Guilfeet has keep on keeping them on their toes then yeah

01:06:31.600 --> 01:06:36.640
Here we go gates under or open and the game is underway here between these two teams

01:06:36.640 --> 01:06:40.340
F tier needs your love staying in this competition.

01:06:40.340 --> 01:06:41.980
It is an elimination game.

01:06:41.980 --> 01:06:45.220
If Gilbien can win, good pressure coming in here from Saul.

01:06:45.220 --> 01:06:46.900
Early on, while at the same time,

01:06:46.900 --> 01:06:49.740
is a bit of a focal point here for the side of F tier.

01:06:49.740 --> 01:06:52.380
But, he really has to recover his team.

01:06:52.380 --> 01:06:54.180
Yeah, you can see F tier, same strategy.

01:06:54.180 --> 01:06:55.420
Defense, run away.

01:06:55.420 --> 01:06:56.620
They're huddling at the pillar,

01:06:56.620 --> 01:06:57.780
they're cowering in the corner,

01:06:57.780 --> 01:06:59.700
and Gilbien are relentless.

01:06:59.700 --> 01:07:00.940
They've got Wiggle Room.

01:07:00.940 --> 01:07:02.140
They can afford to lose a game,

01:07:02.140 --> 01:07:02.980
and Blizzard knows that.

01:07:02.980 --> 01:07:05.300
So, he's heroic leaping on top of his opponents,

01:07:05.300 --> 01:07:07.900
He's actually gone known in this matchup.

01:07:07.900 --> 01:07:10.340
He switched from the dwarf, so he won't have that stone form

01:07:10.340 --> 01:07:12.100
or fireblood to be able to remove the bleed.

01:07:12.100 --> 01:07:14.300
And that's, honestly, an interesting decision from Blizzard.

01:07:14.300 --> 01:07:16.220
That's him almost disrespecting F tier, saying,

01:07:16.220 --> 01:07:17.540
I don't need that defense.

01:07:17.540 --> 01:07:20.620
I'm going to get some more mobility, possibly close this game out early.

01:07:20.620 --> 01:07:22.460
We'll have to see if that backfires on.

01:07:22.460 --> 01:07:24.900
Yeah, I do think the stone form seemed very powerful.

01:07:24.900 --> 01:07:28.020
So not having that is going to make him more of a liability

01:07:28.020 --> 01:07:30.980
in this matchup, but we'll see if F tier decides to capitalize on that.

01:07:30.980 --> 01:07:33.620
Or if they're just going to try to go out for more and slow them down.

01:07:33.620 --> 01:07:38.620
Once again playing very passive game, Neep dropping that ring of peace, that red circle on the ground

01:07:38.620 --> 01:07:43.620
and that doesn't allow Blizzow to enter and makes it very difficult for Neep to actually have uptime on Sol.

01:07:43.620 --> 01:07:47.620
So it's great defense there for F tier and they're really trying to utilize that to get into the late game.

01:07:47.620 --> 01:07:54.620
Nice triple leg sweep there by Neep on the eclipse of Maro, the game that found the tower first in the initial stages of that activation.

01:07:54.620 --> 01:07:57.620
Nice that they're from Neep and they're just all focused on defense.

01:07:57.620 --> 01:08:02.220
Yeah, let's say, they're just floundering, they're struggling to just stay alive in this match.

01:08:02.220 --> 01:08:05.020
They know they're going to need some dampening in this matchup.

01:08:05.020 --> 01:08:07.820
Their damage is just not threatening, so they're just calering around the corner,

01:08:07.820 --> 01:08:10.100
and Morrow is playing aggressively while charging in.

01:08:10.100 --> 01:08:16.420
Blizzo is charging in, they're just trying to close up this game and not allow F tier to get to that E game dampening stage.

01:08:16.420 --> 01:08:20.020
Yeah, Morrow on their fire once again, but it looks like he will get topped off.

01:08:20.020 --> 01:08:21.620
Long-tark is playing very aggressive.

01:08:21.620 --> 01:08:24.620
You've seen Morrow, Long-tark, Blizzo all just pushing in.

01:08:24.620 --> 01:08:26.220
At the same time, F tier is just running away.

01:08:26.220 --> 01:08:29.580
They're waiting for those cooldowns, those big moments, like the Ascendants.

01:08:29.580 --> 01:08:34.700
So it's a passive strategy from F tier, but I feel like if Gilbeam, they play the defensive cooldowns well,

01:08:34.700 --> 01:08:39.620
they could just kind of mitigate those situations, and F tier might just keep falling further and further behind.

01:08:39.620 --> 01:08:42.380
It just seems like they're struggling. No try as full control of the game.

01:08:42.380 --> 01:08:46.780
There's been almost no crab control applied to them, so I think there'll be one Lecksuit that are paralyzed.

01:08:46.780 --> 01:08:49.460
We just see no offense from F tier. They're desperate.

01:08:49.460 --> 01:08:52.820
Now finally engaging. Nice triple Lecksuit. They're picking their moment.

01:08:52.820 --> 01:08:57.520
They found Mara with no Barkskin, but not enough damage to take him out of his broken time.

01:08:57.520 --> 01:09:00.740
And Lone Tar just looks like a brick wall on this healer.

01:09:00.740 --> 01:09:03.180
He's gonna stop him in force for his lossers.

01:09:03.180 --> 01:09:07.180
They continue to push aggressively and push the paced Dallas and Saul,

01:09:07.180 --> 01:09:10.660
trying to abuse that cat from shape-shifting and Ghostwope mobility,

01:09:10.660 --> 01:09:12.020
but a solo being catches Saul.

01:09:12.020 --> 01:09:13.060
They're switching to Meep.

01:09:13.060 --> 01:09:16.100
He's trying to recover from pillar, rushing Wind Kick to recover,

01:09:16.100 --> 01:09:18.740
and he's managed to pull his team back into the match.

01:09:18.740 --> 01:09:21.260
But if their strategy was to win on mana,

01:09:21.260 --> 01:09:23.060
Loatar seems more than ready for that.

01:09:23.060 --> 01:09:27.260
Yep, seems good. He is a little bit ahead on mana for the time being, so it could be something that works,

01:09:27.260 --> 01:09:32.260
but the games have not come down to that so far. I wouldn't expect them to as well, especially with how aggressive

01:09:32.260 --> 01:09:36.760
he is. He's being guilty, me there, just not afraid to push in. Loatar as well, like you mentioned.

01:09:36.760 --> 01:09:45.260
Just going for sleep walks and fire breaths, really assisting his team offensively, and F-tier has just been on the run for the entire game.

01:09:45.260 --> 01:09:49.260
Almost the entire series at this point, and it's understandable, right? And if you lose this game,

01:09:49.260 --> 01:09:53.980
It's over. So if you play too aggressively over extends a long time with no defense and leave an opening

01:09:53.980 --> 01:09:59.820
You're just out your entire year is gone any opportunities to be a first-time champion the dream of every AWC

01:10:00.100 --> 01:10:06.020
Competitors out for windows. So they are just focused on defense focused on surviving focusing on making no mistakes

01:10:06.020 --> 01:10:08.700
But eventually they will have to switch gears eventually

01:10:08.700 --> 01:10:13.500
They will have to commit to some form of offense and will they pick the right moment because right now

01:10:13.500 --> 01:10:16.700
They're starting to fall behind salt rigs at the atmosphere Dallas

01:10:16.700 --> 01:10:19.100
This is the air form of his incarnation. You don't want to do that.

01:10:19.100 --> 01:10:23.900
That's a big damage hit and he's forcing the defensive form to live and to survive at that moment in time.

01:10:23.900 --> 01:10:27.000
But they are pressuring Maro. Maybe Blizzo knew that. He knew that.

01:10:27.000 --> 01:10:32.300
Oh, they're going to switch and go Maro this game, so I don't need the Fire Blood, which is really a heads-up strategy from Gilbete.

01:10:32.300 --> 01:10:36.100
Definitely. We'll see what happens. Dallas now under fire once again.

01:10:36.100 --> 01:10:39.800
You can see this team is just wrapping around the pillar. They are just playing defensive.

01:10:39.800 --> 01:10:43.600
They are trying to survive. Gilbete pushing in to close it out.

01:10:43.600 --> 01:10:46.640
Spear comes down, there's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide at this moment.

01:10:46.640 --> 01:10:48.160
Lontar goes in for the depress.

01:10:48.160 --> 01:10:49.200
Can they close it out?

01:10:49.200 --> 01:10:51.280
Solz gets low on health, a lot of good trades,

01:10:51.280 --> 01:10:54.080
but we love those aggressive plays coming in from TLT.

01:10:54.800 --> 01:10:56.120
He's going to port back to his team,

01:10:56.120 --> 01:10:58.840
but it's just Jokbeen are blasting through defense,

01:10:58.840 --> 01:11:01.080
and they have so much available on their side.

01:11:01.080 --> 01:11:04.360
I think if F3 even gets another two or three minutes out of this game,

01:11:04.360 --> 01:11:06.720
they're going to have too much defense to work through to actually win it,

01:11:06.720 --> 01:11:09.440
which will be exhausting, but they knock him out all around the corner.

01:11:09.440 --> 01:11:11.120
Dallas with a clutch play right there,

01:11:11.120 --> 01:11:13.080
and he's rooting Lontar to prevent him from healing.

01:11:13.080 --> 01:11:16.360
Not enough to win, but it is a sign of life, Dallas,

01:11:16.360 --> 01:11:18.760
showing those skills that we saw in the North American region

01:11:18.760 --> 01:11:20.600
right there with that tactical typhoon

01:11:20.600 --> 01:11:22.480
and tangling root combo.

01:11:22.480 --> 01:11:23.640
Mar was rotting down.

01:11:23.640 --> 01:11:24.640
The pressure is still there.

01:11:24.640 --> 01:11:25.760
Dallas is top of the meter.

01:11:25.760 --> 01:11:27.360
Saul needs to step it up a bit, though.

01:11:27.360 --> 01:11:28.440
They do catch Blizzo.

01:11:28.440 --> 01:11:29.520
Can they close it out?

01:11:29.520 --> 01:11:30.440
They're so close.

01:11:30.440 --> 01:11:31.560
Rewind comes in.

01:11:31.560 --> 01:11:32.840
Lone Tart denies it.

01:11:32.840 --> 01:11:36.160
And F-tier are fighting to keep the dream alive.

01:11:36.160 --> 01:11:37.280
That was a close call.

01:11:37.280 --> 01:11:39.240
And if F-tier picked up that kill there,

01:11:39.240 --> 01:11:41.120
this entire series could be different.

01:11:41.120 --> 01:11:46.360
Oh no, low on health and F-tier. Can they do it? They are really making it difficult here for Lontar.

01:11:46.360 --> 01:11:52.360
Blizzo could easily fall. The dive of the sword comes in to survive, but now great pressure here for F-tier.

01:11:52.360 --> 01:11:54.400
That triple fear again. Beautifully done.

01:11:54.400 --> 01:11:58.720
Oh, the triple fear shuts down the momentum for their team, but Saul has some answers. He can stay aggressive.

01:11:58.720 --> 01:12:02.920
He has Burl, he's Stormkeeper, but Blizzo is behind the pillar with Lontar waiting to recover.

01:12:02.920 --> 01:12:05.200
Oh no, he did it! He did it!

01:12:05.200 --> 01:12:10.560
is down and after managed to turtle it out and put a point on the board.

01:12:10.560 --> 01:12:14.840
Oh, that's got to be just a heartbreaker for gilding, but after you're going to be

01:12:14.840 --> 01:12:17.760
happy to pick up a point, beautifully done.

01:12:17.760 --> 01:12:21.640
Look, you don't want to make it this far and go out 3-0.

01:12:21.640 --> 01:12:27.040
After you said we're here on our home turf in NA, we want to win this and we have to stay in it.

01:12:27.040 --> 01:12:31.240
And they did, they've gotten a point on the board and amazing to see how they just

01:12:31.240 --> 01:12:45.240
They just paced that out how they didn't let the pressure get to them and they were able to come in definitively at the end now it seemed like they kind of you know bided their time throughout that until they could get the strike then what do you think from their strategy this time around it seems like they

01:12:45.240 --> 01:12:49.440
change things up. Well I think what it comes down to for F tier is the classes

01:12:49.440 --> 01:12:53.560
that they have available have a really powerful offensive cooldown so they have

01:12:53.560 --> 01:12:56.960
these moments where they can do overwhelming damage and they're trying

01:12:56.960 --> 01:13:01.600
to just stall it out so between attacks between attacks they're gonna be

01:13:01.600 --> 01:13:04.960
waiting a little bit but once they have those cooldowns that's gonna give them

01:13:04.960 --> 01:13:09.040
the confidence to actually push in get aggressive and find those moments. Yeah I

01:13:09.040 --> 01:13:12.800
mean that's exactly what you have to do especially when you are at that point

01:13:12.800 --> 01:13:18.160
where you're about to be eliminated so they were able to come back here but as we take a look at

01:13:18.160 --> 01:13:22.080
the overall performance and some of the stats from the game. Super what are you seeing and

01:13:22.080 --> 01:13:27.280
how this all unfolded? I mean just they were able to turtle all day they were able to play at the

01:13:27.280 --> 01:13:31.360
pillar they played into that dampening strategy and they were able to flip the switch. That's the

01:13:31.360 --> 01:13:35.840
important factor a lot of these teams that pick these late game defensive oriented compositions

01:13:35.840 --> 01:13:39.200
they don't know how to flip the switch they just spend the whole time running to go.

01:13:39.200 --> 01:13:42.200
Yeah, I mean, we can take a look at the replay here.

01:13:42.200 --> 01:13:44.200
I wonder what actually happened to Longtah here.

01:13:44.200 --> 01:13:47.000
He's just standing still there to watch the end of it,

01:13:47.000 --> 01:13:48.300
and then he got leg swept there,

01:13:48.300 --> 01:13:51.300
but we'll take a look at that in a moment again.

01:13:51.300 --> 01:13:53.400
I really just love watching Blizzo,

01:13:53.400 --> 01:13:56.900
how he responds every single time when he drops low.

01:13:56.900 --> 01:14:00.100
This was a really nice exchange coming out there from Longtah,

01:14:00.100 --> 01:14:02.100
but here during the kill,

01:14:02.100 --> 01:14:04.700
it looks like Longtah is just standing around there,

01:14:04.700 --> 01:14:06.300
and then he gets stun locked,

01:14:06.300 --> 01:14:08.400
and then what is he actually in?

01:14:08.400 --> 01:14:10.080
like right now he's just not doing anything.

01:14:11.520 --> 01:14:12.880
Just standing there.

01:14:13.280 --> 01:14:14.920
So maybe he had a tech issue.

01:14:14.920 --> 01:14:15.480
I'm not sure.

01:14:15.480 --> 01:14:18.000
But anyway, they get the leg sweep and they finish it off.

01:14:18.000 --> 01:14:22.160
And to FTA's credit, this game was looking very, very solid.

01:14:23.080 --> 01:14:25.480
The entire time they had good pressure.

01:14:25.640 --> 01:14:28.960
I think that for them, like you guys mentioned,

01:14:28.960 --> 01:14:32.280
this might not be a comp that they run into too often.

01:14:32.480 --> 01:14:35.400
You can tell they're getting a little bit more confident in the matchup,

01:14:35.400 --> 01:14:38.800
getting a little bit more confident with their targeting as well,

01:14:38.800 --> 01:14:40.400
pressuring Maro more often.

01:14:40.400 --> 01:14:43.000
He had some really nice plays from Dallas as well,

01:14:43.000 --> 01:14:45.000
getting the typhoon.

01:14:45.000 --> 01:14:46.800
And you can see,

01:14:46.800 --> 01:14:51.000
Dallas is absolutely fired up here to be on stage

01:14:51.000 --> 01:14:54.000
and deliver the first North American win here.

01:14:54.000 --> 01:14:56.400
Yeah, I mean, wouldn't you be just knowing,

01:14:56.400 --> 01:15:00.000
oh, we were here, this moment was so decisive for us,

01:15:00.000 --> 01:15:03.000
and we are going to be able to stay here

01:15:03.000 --> 01:15:06.800
and actually continue competing for our BlizzCon championship dreams.

01:15:06.800 --> 01:15:08.560
Now, of course, as a little reminder for everybody though,

01:15:08.560 --> 01:15:11.160
this isn't the only event going on here at BlizzCon.

01:15:11.160 --> 01:15:13.680
There will be a wow forever deep dive.

01:15:13.680 --> 01:15:16.320
So if you'd like to see that panel that's going to be happening,

01:15:16.320 --> 01:15:19.400
go ahead and tune in to the main stage.

01:15:19.400 --> 01:15:22.240
We will be continuing our Arena World Championship action here,

01:15:22.240 --> 01:15:26.360
however, and witnessing what the rest of this series has in store for us.

01:15:26.360 --> 01:15:30.440
Now, we are at this crucial crossroad for the teams, right?

01:15:30.440 --> 01:15:33.940
We've got this 2-1 situation, and no doubt,

01:15:33.940 --> 01:15:36.420
Guildbean want to be able to just keep

01:15:36.420 --> 01:15:38.860
that strong momentum that they had.

01:15:38.860 --> 01:15:40.700
But then like we were talking about earlier,

01:15:40.700 --> 01:15:42.740
this could be a point where F tier is the one that

01:15:42.740 --> 01:15:45.080
starts setting the pace for the rest of the games.

01:15:45.080 --> 01:15:48.640
Yeah. I've been in that situation before where you're up to games,

01:15:48.640 --> 01:15:50.260
you're feeling good, you're about to win,

01:15:50.260 --> 01:15:51.700
and then all of a sudden the other team,

01:15:51.700 --> 01:15:53.000
they pick up a win, and then you're like,

01:15:53.000 --> 01:15:54.340
okay, well, maybe that was just a fluke.

01:15:54.340 --> 01:15:56.620
Then if they pick up two wins, it's like, oh my goodness,

01:15:56.620 --> 01:15:57.940
we could get reverse swept here.

01:15:57.940 --> 01:16:00.100
It's a very stressful situation to be in.

01:16:00.100 --> 01:16:07.580
But I think for Gilbean it's interesting because now they get to select the map as well as their composition with the way our drafting works

01:16:07.580 --> 01:16:11.380
So Gilbean could run something else. I mean, this is a roster, you know, they do have

01:16:12.020 --> 01:16:14.580
The Zpie on the bench if they need they could bring in him

01:16:14.580 --> 01:16:19.200
So lots of different options available and this is the first opportunity they have to kind of counter comp F tier

01:16:19.200 --> 01:16:21.780
I kind of feel like they're gonna be lucky in the same composition

01:16:21.780 --> 01:16:27.700
I think both these teams just leading with their best foot forward and it's gonna be may the best team win in this matchup

01:16:27.700 --> 01:16:29.900
Yeah, I mean, yeah, honestly, and that's what we love

01:16:29.900 --> 01:16:33.700
But you can see the teams really competing on the same skill level and bringing their all.

01:16:33.700 --> 01:16:35.800
And I think you bring up a really good point, Van.

01:16:35.800 --> 01:16:39.900
And Supa, maybe you have some more thoughts on this with the picks they're going to be bringing in.

01:16:39.900 --> 01:16:44.800
Would you say that Gilbein has more flexibility overall in what they can bring to the table than F tier?

01:16:44.800 --> 01:16:49.200
I mean, I think their cleave is probably going to be a bit more polished, their ret warrior.

01:16:49.200 --> 01:16:53.700
But at the same time, you know, maybe Saul could step up to the plate here against a Zpie's ret

01:16:53.700 --> 01:16:54.800
if that ends up being the case.

01:16:54.800 --> 01:16:58.200
If you go to a small map and then F tier don't want to lock in the Ellie Feral

01:16:58.200 --> 01:17:03.000
because they're going to need to play defensively right and that will be very challenging on a smaller map.

01:17:03.000 --> 01:17:10.040
So they might not lean into the feral elite depending on how that blind pick goes for them and as far as their strategy is concerned.

01:17:11.840 --> 01:17:18.800
We do have an update as well as you noticed there did seem to be a bit of an issue there with the technical side for long time.

01:17:18.800 --> 01:17:21.360
So we will be replaying that map.

01:17:21.360 --> 01:17:24.700
Now, this is an opportunity, because of course,

01:17:24.700 --> 01:17:26.900
Gildbean, they were just at this threshold of going,

01:17:26.900 --> 01:17:28.440
hey, we could lock in this win.

01:17:28.440 --> 01:17:30.240
We could get this 3-0.

01:17:30.240 --> 01:17:32.500
But we've seen here that there was that energy,

01:17:32.500 --> 01:17:34.800
there was that passion that we just got from F-tier going,

01:17:34.800 --> 01:17:36.640
hey, we can do this, we can turn the tide.

01:17:36.640 --> 01:17:39.600
So, Ziko, if you were in their sort of position right now,

01:17:39.600 --> 01:17:42.160
what would you be doing to lock in and be able to replay this

01:17:42.160 --> 01:17:43.340
and secure that victory?

01:17:43.340 --> 01:17:46.660
I mean, if I'm on F-tier, obviously it hurts a little bit,

01:17:46.660 --> 01:17:48.400
but it is what it is.

01:17:48.400 --> 01:17:52.720
I think that you're just, you're just locked in.

01:17:52.720 --> 01:17:54.600
You just do the exact same that you just did.

01:17:54.600 --> 01:17:58.000
For F tier, I would still consider this a positive sign

01:17:58.000 --> 01:18:01.320
because it looks like they are a little bit out of shape

01:18:01.320 --> 01:18:03.080
against this particular comp

01:18:03.080 --> 01:18:05.040
and against this particular play style

01:18:05.040 --> 01:18:06.320
that Gilbeen is bringing.

01:18:06.320 --> 01:18:09.280
So getting, when you're on the losing edge,

01:18:09.280 --> 01:18:11.640
it's always better to get more games, right?

01:18:11.640 --> 01:18:14.360
So getting essentially an extra game like that,

01:18:14.360 --> 01:18:15.480
it's still not a bad thing

01:18:15.480 --> 01:18:18.440
because maybe they figured something out in this matchup.

01:18:18.440 --> 01:18:20.680
Oh, okay, Blizzle did go gnome.

01:18:20.680 --> 01:18:23.280
Now we know ahead of time that he is gonna be gnome.

01:18:23.280 --> 01:18:25.040
Should we still go after him a little bit more

01:18:25.040 --> 01:18:26.440
like we did in the previous games?

01:18:26.440 --> 01:18:28.640
Should we maybe go after Maro still

01:18:28.640 --> 01:18:31.440
and try to pressure him more like we did?

01:18:31.440 --> 01:18:33.600
You have a little bit more time to kind of reflect

01:18:33.600 --> 01:18:35.800
on how your liver experiments,

01:18:35.800 --> 01:18:39.320
you know, changes that you did from the previous game,

01:18:39.320 --> 01:18:40.640
how they actually worked out.

01:18:40.640 --> 01:18:44.560
So I would say this is still a net positive here for Ftier

01:18:44.560 --> 01:18:49.680
being able to kind of reflect on that stuff, but at the same time, we'll see what they'd

01:18:49.680 --> 01:18:50.680
say to you.

01:18:50.680 --> 01:18:54.240
I disagree. I feel like this is going to be an emotional test right there. Like you just

01:18:54.240 --> 01:18:58.680
came off a high thinking that you won and then there was a technical error for Loantar

01:18:58.680 --> 01:19:02.480
which means we will be replaying the map and now you have to play that out again. And when

01:19:02.480 --> 01:19:06.480
you're playing a dampening composition that needs to play 8 plus minute games and you

01:19:06.480 --> 01:19:12.080
lose, mental on that is completely brutal because it's not easy to survive 8 plus minutes

01:19:12.080 --> 01:19:14.320
against the best teams across the globe.

01:19:14.320 --> 01:19:16.080
You're on match point facing elimination,

01:19:16.080 --> 01:19:18.560
competing the entire year to get to this point,

01:19:18.560 --> 01:19:21.200
dismantling some of the top members of North America

01:19:21.200 --> 01:19:23.840
to get your seat at the table and fight for the crown.

01:19:23.840 --> 01:19:25.840
And now, this is the biggest test

01:19:25.840 --> 01:19:27.640
that they could have really gotten in this series.

01:19:27.640 --> 01:19:30.840
I do see a point to it, and that's what we do all about.

01:19:30.840 --> 01:19:32.640
It is a mental game, but let's see

01:19:32.640 --> 01:19:34.280
who has the strongest mental here.

01:19:34.280 --> 01:19:36.000
Game number three.

01:19:36.000 --> 01:19:37.720
We're gonna be coming in here at tier versus guild,

01:19:37.720 --> 01:19:39.280
being replaying that third map.

01:19:39.280 --> 01:19:41.840
But then they've gotta lock in and they have to execute

01:19:41.840 --> 01:19:43.360
if F-tier wants to stay in.

01:19:43.360 --> 01:19:45.760
Yeah, right now, F-tier getting aggressive early on.

01:19:45.760 --> 01:19:47.720
Once again, you're on the Marl end of Luzo,

01:19:47.720 --> 01:19:51.200
so very calculated strikes coming in from F-tier.

01:19:51.200 --> 01:19:53.640
It's just that moment of offense, and then they pull away,

01:19:53.640 --> 01:19:55.760
but Gilbien feeling very confident.

01:19:55.760 --> 01:19:57.240
That's the thing, if you don't have a lot of pressure

01:19:57.240 --> 01:19:59.520
on your opponents, Gilbien is going to be the one

01:19:59.520 --> 01:20:00.880
that feels confident to push in.

01:20:00.880 --> 01:20:02.760
Lotar is going to be pushing in for sleepwalks,

01:20:02.760 --> 01:20:04.040
getting the disintegrates,

01:20:04.040 --> 01:20:06.200
and really kind of carrying his team's pressure.

01:20:06.200 --> 01:20:07.480
He's getting very aggressive here,

01:20:07.480 --> 01:20:09.760
just punching and kicking and having damage to his team

01:20:09.760 --> 01:20:10.960
while wrapping around the corner.

01:20:10.960 --> 01:20:14.960
He has to avoid sleepwalks of Luntar, and he has to avoid cycling from Morrow.

01:20:14.960 --> 01:20:19.960
Those are two major threats that he can get caught in, and it's all he needs to cover on this sleepwalk at the moment.

01:20:19.960 --> 01:20:25.960
Some of the burst, but it means that it may not line up with the intimidating shout at a critical moment if he managed to land a triple.

01:20:25.960 --> 01:20:31.960
They usually bring a piece that red circle that Rukia was talking about last time to try and prevent them from pushing in on top of them and getting cleat damage.

01:20:31.960 --> 01:20:37.960
They're focusing a lot of their stones on Grisso, but Warrior trying to limit him from getting the aggressive, getting through his target.

01:20:37.960 --> 01:20:42.480
his target, limit his uptime, and just focus on ghost wolf, spam shape shifting, and avoiding

01:20:42.480 --> 01:20:43.480
damage.

01:20:43.480 --> 01:20:47.040
But when you get the double fear, and they isolate Sol, is this going to be it for him?

01:20:47.040 --> 01:20:51.160
He has the burrow, meep makes the exchange, and the commitment there with the life between

01:20:51.160 --> 01:20:52.440
their team, real stabilizing.

01:20:52.440 --> 01:20:54.360
Now finally, Dallas is getting cyclones.

01:20:54.360 --> 01:20:55.520
This is what I want to see from Dallas.

01:20:55.520 --> 01:20:58.160
In game one, he's getting a lot of clutch crowd control.

01:20:58.160 --> 01:21:00.640
I think in the early game, crowd control is valuable.

01:21:00.640 --> 01:21:03.320
You have to make this win entirely.

01:21:03.320 --> 01:21:04.320
I agree with that.

01:21:04.320 --> 01:21:07.080
maybe plays from Dallas as well as Barlow on this one.

01:21:07.080 --> 01:21:09.360
Finding this but Cyclone, Saul down to half.

01:21:09.360 --> 01:21:11.160
Still a scary situation here in Meatmonk.

01:21:11.160 --> 01:21:12.880
He traded that light give him a bit preemptively.

01:21:12.880 --> 01:21:16.200
Normally he's very greedy with those cooldowns,

01:21:16.200 --> 01:21:18.960
but in this situation, you can tell he's feeling the pressure.

01:21:18.960 --> 01:21:20.280
Keep Saul alive.

01:21:20.280 --> 01:21:22.360
Barlow and Dallas both under fire once again,

01:21:22.360 --> 01:21:23.720
but the Cyclone goes out on the Dallas.

01:21:23.720 --> 01:21:27.080
Guzzo is pushing in, gets the shockwave here on to Saul.

01:21:27.080 --> 01:21:29.840
But Saul will just continue to retreat here with Meatmonk.

01:21:29.840 --> 01:21:32.440
Vicky is very difficult for Blizzard to connect.

01:21:32.440 --> 01:21:36.960
They're just on target here saw wrapping around the corner with meat long time moving in Maro on the back as well

01:21:36.960 --> 01:21:39.220
They do have incarnation for Maro coming up very shortly

01:21:41.120 --> 01:21:47.240
Here just immediate recovery with that birdie embrace massive healing you just get caught to paralyze fixed that up on blizzard triple leg

01:21:47.240 --> 01:21:50.440
Sweet ratio combo nice crowd control from F tier long tires

01:21:50.440 --> 01:21:55.720
Good you gonna respect with their that emerald communion was potentially not necessary that green icon at a 3m

01:21:55.720 --> 01:21:58.760
That's one of his major healing cooldowns, but it also regenerates mana

01:21:58.760 --> 01:22:03.600
So he decides to use that early to recover from that moment when he might not have needed it for that reason

01:22:03.600 --> 01:22:08.440
But he will maintain his mana as a result of rotating it, so that's a very effective decision from Wontar

01:22:08.600 --> 01:22:14.760
Knowing that this strategy from Ftier is going to drag this game on using his resources more defensively, more for the laning

01:22:15.000 --> 01:22:20.680
Yeah, and Ftier, these are very interesting map choices because they're picking these large maps with just not utilizing them

01:22:20.680 --> 01:22:26.920
What so ever just essentially using the pillar only, Baro and Blizzo both take quite a bit of damage, a huge earth shock there onto Blizzo

01:22:26.920 --> 01:22:31.920
He almost gets dropped. It's a scary situation, and Saul and Talos crit at the right time.

01:22:31.920 --> 01:22:36.920
The low tower is not prepared. Blizzo could easily go down, so they can't get a false sense of security.

01:22:36.920 --> 01:22:39.920
Blizzo trades out the top out of the sword. Great pressure here for F tier.

01:22:39.920 --> 01:22:46.920
This is phenomenal in terms of offense. They're holding Blizzo and Mara 50% health, only at the 3-minute mark in this game.

01:22:46.920 --> 01:22:50.920
When we get to the 7-minute mark, they're just going to both be double killed at that point in time.

01:22:50.920 --> 01:22:56.040
Can F-tier manage to hold on long enough? Nice paralyze, beautiful setup once again into the legstick meet.

01:22:56.040 --> 01:23:01.160
Pissed there, low charge trinkets and blocks. Rewind instantly recovering his teammate.

01:23:01.160 --> 01:23:03.880
That assault, but now he has no trinket, and he has no ammo convenient.

01:23:03.880 --> 01:23:08.680
Miro and slow! No way! F-tier! So close, but Lontar is clutching right now,

01:23:08.680 --> 01:23:14.840
managing to stabilize Miro at that moment in time, but there is clear openings right now for F-tier.

01:23:14.840 --> 01:23:18.680
Yeah, I mean, F-tier, they feel like they're getting more and more confident and comfortable

01:23:18.680 --> 01:23:22.720
in this matchup those moments of pressure are really looking good and guilty kind of

01:23:22.720 --> 01:23:27.720
struggling to find another one. Another one, another big stone. Another one. And they do it! They do it!

01:23:27.720 --> 01:23:33.320
They get the win, put the point on the board. I mean that's got to feel really good for F tier.

01:23:33.320 --> 01:23:38.680
You're on match point, you're facing elimination, you fought you won, was a disconnect technical issue

01:23:38.680 --> 01:23:41.880
and you have to play it again and you're just thinking no way we have to play that again.

01:23:41.880 --> 01:23:46.760
They win even faster, they get even more effective, they get even more efficient,

01:23:46.760 --> 01:23:50.100
They rise to the occasion and they stay alive.

01:23:50.100 --> 01:23:51.700
They absolutely didn't, you know, Supa,

01:23:51.700 --> 01:23:53.400
you were worried that it might affect them,

01:23:53.400 --> 01:23:55.400
but they overcame it.

01:23:55.400 --> 01:23:56.740
And as you can hear from the audience,

01:23:56.740 --> 01:23:58.600
we are all cheering them on.

01:23:58.600 --> 01:24:00.700
F tier managed to lock in that point,

01:24:00.700 --> 01:24:04.200
even with the replay, and they will stay in the running.

01:24:04.200 --> 01:24:06.940
Now, this is a huge boon to them, no doubt.

01:24:06.940 --> 01:24:08.740
Not only does it keep them in the competition,

01:24:08.740 --> 01:24:10.240
but Ziko, you have to be feeling good

01:24:10.240 --> 01:24:12.240
when you have to replay, and then you go,

01:24:12.240 --> 01:24:14.140
we want it and we want it even faster.

01:24:14.140 --> 01:24:16.720
Yeah, I mean, that's exactly what I was talking about.

01:24:16.720 --> 01:24:22.900
you had a chance to kind of review how your experiments went and review the

01:24:22.900 --> 01:24:27.000
changes that the opponent made as well and I really feel that when you are the

01:24:27.000 --> 01:24:31.240
team that's behind in a series if you can get extra games in like that I think

01:24:31.240 --> 01:24:35.080
if you have the strong enough mental which obviously these guys do you're

01:24:35.080 --> 01:24:39.760
gonna be able to come out on top and we see them just laser focused locking it

01:24:39.760 --> 01:24:44.400
in and immediately just running guilt being out of the coolance completely and

01:24:44.400 --> 01:24:47.960
and just how they're able to swap around as well.

01:24:47.960 --> 01:24:50.680
I think this is the fastest game so far in the entire series.

01:24:50.680 --> 01:24:53.520
They're able to go after Morrow, get him low,

01:24:53.520 --> 01:24:55.480
get his cooldowns, realize okay,

01:24:55.480 --> 01:24:57.400
we don't have enough damage enough, take him down,

01:24:57.400 --> 01:24:59.720
let's switch to Blizzow, let's isolate him,

01:24:59.720 --> 01:25:03.440
and immediately re-focus onto a different target

01:25:03.440 --> 01:25:05.960
and take him down, and you can tell

01:25:05.960 --> 01:25:08.200
the crowd is definitely behind North America right now.

01:25:08.200 --> 01:25:10.480
We are in North America at BlizzCon,

01:25:10.480 --> 01:25:14.000
and seeing North America pick up their first win here,

01:25:14.000 --> 01:25:16.380
Let's see how they actually did it so.

01:25:16.380 --> 01:25:18.300
This was a little bit earlier in the match

01:25:18.300 --> 01:25:19.940
when Longtor had to use his free wind.

01:25:19.940 --> 01:25:21.740
So that was his last major defensive.

01:25:21.740 --> 01:25:23.100
Then they swap tomorrow here.

01:25:23.100 --> 01:25:24.980
Morrow takes a tremendous amount of damage.

01:25:24.980 --> 01:25:27.140
Duxing the bare form, gets the Cyclones out,

01:25:27.140 --> 01:25:30.100
manages to recover, and then again here,

01:25:30.100 --> 01:25:31.460
they get a stun on tomorrow,

01:25:31.460 --> 01:25:33.460
then they get a stun onto Blizzow,

01:25:33.460 --> 01:25:35.460
a paralyze onto Longtor.

01:25:35.460 --> 01:25:37.820
So a perfect triple CC here,

01:25:37.820 --> 01:25:40.500
and it's so important that they get that,

01:25:40.500 --> 01:25:43.980
I think it's the elemental stun on tomorrow in a situation.

01:25:43.980 --> 01:25:47.780
because Morrow has been at Thorn in their side this entire series.

01:25:47.780 --> 01:25:51.420
Every single time they have a situation like this where they can go for a KO,

01:25:51.420 --> 01:25:54.580
he's there, he's getting the Cyclones, not this time around.

01:25:54.580 --> 01:25:58.180
This time around they triple CC, they have the damage to back it up as well,

01:25:58.180 --> 01:26:02.180
and Morrow could have actually trinketed here, but he didn't realize

01:26:02.180 --> 01:26:04.380
how scary that situation actually was.

01:26:04.380 --> 01:26:09.180
He goes for the Cyclone, Sall immediately shuts it down with the Wind Shear there as well.

01:26:09.180 --> 01:26:12.580
So you can tell that Eptir, they refocused,

01:26:12.580 --> 01:26:18.020
And they kind of, we like to do that as well when we play arenas and say, okay, this is my target.

01:26:18.020 --> 01:26:21.140
I'm going to be mainly interrupting this guy, mainly shutting him now.

01:26:21.140 --> 01:26:23.620
And you can tell that that's exactly what they did on F tier.

01:26:23.620 --> 01:26:28.820
They're laser focused on shutting down Maro and Solz just did a phenomenal job there.

01:26:28.820 --> 01:26:31.540
Shutting him down first with the stun, then with the kick.

01:26:31.540 --> 01:26:34.900
And they had just the coordination everyone on the same page.

01:26:34.900 --> 01:26:36.420
And they took Blizzow down.

01:26:36.420 --> 01:26:38.500
And that's what he gets from being greedy playing normal.

01:26:39.060 --> 01:26:40.500
That's what you get, Blizzow.

01:26:40.500 --> 01:26:41.540
That's what you get.

01:26:41.540 --> 01:26:42.180
So, Tico.

01:26:42.580 --> 01:26:46.580
Honestly though, it was really, really well thought through from them as you were all pointing out

01:26:46.580 --> 01:26:52.500
Mauro being something that really was a decisive factor for Gilbeen in this first couple of maps.

01:26:52.500 --> 01:26:59.300
But of course, this next game we're going to be looking ahead and we've mentioned that F tier is kind of running this sort of dampening comp and they kind of play around this.

01:26:59.300 --> 01:27:04.460
But what are the considerations then that you think they need to take into account going up against what Gilbeen is bringing?

01:27:04.460 --> 01:27:11.180
Well, I think that one of the reasons for their strategy is not only do they have these kind of hit and run specializations that they're picking,

01:27:11.180 --> 01:27:17.100
but also we talked about Maro and how phenomenal he is. We know him as a mage, his control has been amazing on that,

01:27:17.100 --> 01:27:20.540
but also on this balancer and being able to spam out the cyclones on everyone.

01:27:20.540 --> 01:27:27.100
When you're on a pillar and you're just running around to the entire time, you completely mitigate Maro's ability to control the match.

01:27:27.100 --> 01:27:32.020
It becomes a lot more difficult for guild being to find those situations where they can kind of isolate a target.

01:27:32.020 --> 01:27:34.540
So it makes a lot of sense to me. We're going to rune the Lordaeron,

01:27:34.580 --> 01:27:40.300
not those big pillars that FTR seems to really, really enjoy, but you can still use this tomb and maybe they just,

01:27:40.300 --> 01:27:45.460
you know choose one of the graves that they can run around maybe they choose the car to run around but I do wonder what

01:27:45.460 --> 01:27:50.460
Gilbein's gonna do in response here because it's not like a good feeling right like you're right on that match point

01:27:50.460 --> 01:27:53.380
You're about to win the series going to disconnect and you go into a loss

01:27:53.380 --> 01:28:00.020
So I'm like they are gonna be tagging in Z pie on the rep paladin. All right. How is this gonna change things for them?

01:28:00.020 --> 01:28:03.220
Super this is some this is a zug-zug map

01:28:03.220 --> 01:28:08.860
They are smorking here in game number four for match point Z pie is coming off the bench on the rep

01:28:08.860 --> 01:28:10.860
for the elemental shaman, but

01:28:10.860 --> 01:28:12.860
he has been polishing up that

01:28:12.860 --> 01:28:14.860
blade on the retribution paladin,

01:28:14.860 --> 01:28:16.860
and they are going to be absolutely

01:28:16.860 --> 01:28:18.860
bringing the pressure to solve.

01:28:18.860 --> 01:28:20.860
This is something that an elemental shaman

01:28:20.860 --> 01:28:22.860
can struggle heavily with. There's a lot

01:28:22.860 --> 01:28:24.860
of support from the rep paladin, a lot of

01:28:24.860 --> 01:28:26.860
offhealing, a lot of freedoms for all

01:28:26.860 --> 01:28:28.860
of the roots. So he's going to enable

01:28:28.860 --> 01:28:30.860
the warrior to get a lot more uptime

01:28:30.860 --> 01:28:32.860
than in the previous match, which means

01:28:32.860 --> 01:28:34.860
that F tier man. This is going to be

01:28:34.860 --> 01:28:36.860
their greatest challenge here. I mean,

01:28:36.860 --> 01:28:40.660
still want to win this. So of course they're going to try to bring this and end it where

01:28:40.660 --> 01:28:44.300
they can. But Ziko they are going to have their challenge cut out for them because F-Tier

01:28:44.300 --> 01:28:48.140
is playing incredibly well. Do you think that F-Tier have kind of found their groove since

01:28:48.140 --> 01:28:51.980
we started? Absolutely. F-Tier is looking, I mean the way they set up that last kill

01:28:51.980 --> 01:28:58.060
was just 100% perfect. Everyone was on the same page. Everyone was locked in and that's

01:28:58.060 --> 01:29:01.820
exactly what you want to see. And also you can just tell the way they're switching their

01:29:01.820 --> 01:29:05.300
targets. They're all going on tomorrow. Okay, they immediately all recognize okay he's

01:29:05.300 --> 01:29:10.760
He's not going to die. We're going to switch to our target, go over to Lizzo and then set

01:29:10.760 --> 01:29:16.420
that up immediately as well. So I do think that FTR is for short locked in, but this

01:29:16.420 --> 01:29:19.540
is a very, very scary composition to go up against.

01:29:19.540 --> 01:29:25.180
Rhett Warrior is very, very brutal. They have a lot of damage. Rhett brings a lot of utility

01:29:25.180 --> 01:29:31.300
as well. And when there's a place where you can chop someone up, this is the map. Let's

01:29:31.300 --> 01:29:35.740
Let's see if Gilbein can do it, or if F-Tier comes in a fight.

01:29:35.740 --> 01:29:37.500
This is F-Tier versus Gilbein.

01:29:37.500 --> 01:29:38.560
Everything is on the line here.

01:29:38.560 --> 01:29:39.940
Can Gilbein get that third point?

01:29:39.940 --> 01:29:41.580
Or will F-Tier stay in the 22?

01:29:41.580 --> 01:29:42.700
But let's see what they do.

01:29:42.700 --> 01:29:44.260
They are gunning down Sol.

01:29:44.260 --> 01:29:47.260
It's rune's a lauder on its BlizzCon, 20-2016.

01:29:47.260 --> 01:29:50.620
And at the cemetery, this would be a fitting, final arrest

01:29:50.620 --> 01:29:51.380
in place.

01:29:51.380 --> 01:29:54.980
Will Gilbein be riding F-Tier into the scrolls

01:29:54.980 --> 01:29:57.220
of these tombstones in this match?

01:29:57.220 --> 01:29:58.580
It's going to be cutthroat for them.

01:29:58.580 --> 01:29:59.860
BlizzO will be enabled.

01:29:59.860 --> 01:30:02.700
He will have maximum uptime in this type of situation.

01:30:02.700 --> 01:30:05.620
The roots will no longer be an issue for him.

01:30:05.620 --> 01:30:07.700
Now that Zpie has entered the fight,

01:30:07.700 --> 01:30:09.260
and with that off-hooking from the Rep Paladin,

01:30:09.260 --> 01:30:11.940
F tier will have to survive even longer

01:30:11.940 --> 01:30:13.500
and look at the momentum that the Rep Paladin brings

01:30:13.500 --> 01:30:14.340
in the early stage.

01:30:14.340 --> 01:30:16.580
Oh, at the same time, Luzo is critically low here.

01:30:16.580 --> 01:30:19.420
Zpie is coming in cold in this matchup.

01:30:19.420 --> 01:30:20.500
Is he ready?

01:30:20.500 --> 01:30:21.620
Yeah, the Rep Paladin's gonna have

01:30:21.620 --> 01:30:23.820
those very powerful cooldowns,

01:30:23.820 --> 01:30:25.580
you know, like the blessing of smell warding the lane

01:30:25.580 --> 01:30:27.980
on hands, but not the control of the cyclone.

01:30:27.980 --> 01:30:29.500
So things are unraveling here,

01:30:29.500 --> 01:30:31.500
and after it can get some momentum,

01:30:31.500 --> 01:30:33.900
it could unravel very quickly here for Gil Bean

01:30:33.900 --> 01:30:35.100
and be a really difficult situation.

01:30:35.100 --> 01:30:36.500
Stunned out onto Blizzle,

01:30:36.500 --> 01:30:37.980
won't start caught into that paralyze,

01:30:37.980 --> 01:30:40.620
and it seems like Saul's able to use this team quite well

01:30:40.620 --> 01:30:41.740
for line of sight.

01:30:41.740 --> 01:30:43.420
I feel like after it's kind of able to continue

01:30:43.420 --> 01:30:45.300
to the same trend that we saw in that last game.

01:30:45.300 --> 01:30:47.860
Ooh, Hex though, that is a clutch play from Saul.

01:30:47.860 --> 01:30:50.060
There's no deep curse from the bouncer anymore,

01:30:50.060 --> 01:30:52.580
so Saul will be able to land Hexes at full duration

01:30:52.580 --> 01:30:54.100
on all three targets.

01:30:54.100 --> 01:30:55.660
The Saul can be the carry for the team

01:30:55.660 --> 01:30:56.500
with that foul control.

01:30:56.500 --> 01:30:59.020
It's a very threatening one to that entire roster.

01:30:59.020 --> 01:31:00.740
They'll all be able to find these opportunities.

01:31:00.740 --> 01:31:02.740
They'll have to shift gears from just kind of doing

01:31:02.740 --> 01:31:05.220
damage and surviving to more tactical crowd control.

01:31:05.220 --> 01:31:07.780
But they are just absolutely dog piling on top of them

01:31:07.780 --> 01:31:08.500
at the moment.

01:31:08.500 --> 01:31:09.580
Blizzow gets peeled away.

01:31:09.580 --> 01:31:10.620
Cyclone unlocked.

01:31:10.620 --> 01:31:12.700
Dallas is carrying once again in this position.

01:31:12.700 --> 01:31:13.900
Meep is there for the backup.

01:31:13.900 --> 01:31:16.460
And will Blizzow fall once again here in game four?

01:31:16.460 --> 01:31:17.740
You can see the big trade.

01:31:17.740 --> 01:31:20.180
He manages to hold on with the obsidian scales and recover.

01:31:20.180 --> 01:31:21.660
But that's great for F tier.

01:31:21.660 --> 01:31:23.620
Getting that much momentum, not even two minutes

01:31:23.620 --> 01:31:24.380
into the game.

01:31:24.380 --> 01:31:25.020
Yeah, Dallas.

01:31:25.020 --> 01:31:26.940
So getting chopped up right now by Blizzow,

01:31:26.940 --> 01:31:28.740
putting a lot of pressure onto the Feral Druid

01:31:28.740 --> 01:31:31.580
that Zephyr and Blizzo really just trying to get on target,

01:31:31.580 --> 01:31:34.380
get on top of Saul and continue that damage,

01:31:34.380 --> 01:31:36.420
bring a lot of consistent damage to this match.

01:31:36.420 --> 01:31:37.700
But we'll see what they can do.

01:31:37.700 --> 01:31:39.900
Dallas has done a great job so far with the Cyclones,

01:31:39.900 --> 01:31:42.660
as well as the stuns to slow down their regression.

01:31:42.660 --> 01:31:45.180
And by Saul and Meatmonk, just a little bit of breathing room

01:31:45.180 --> 01:31:48.060
in the map, Zephyr and Blizzo really trying

01:31:48.060 --> 01:31:49.540
to get aggressive here on the Saul.

01:31:49.540 --> 01:31:51.420
Hammer of Justice now on to Meet.

01:31:51.420 --> 01:31:52.340
What is Saul going to do?

01:31:52.340 --> 01:31:53.420
He's low on health.

01:31:53.420 --> 01:31:54.780
But it looks like Meet has answers,

01:31:54.780 --> 01:31:56.180
just not willing to trade them.

01:31:56.180 --> 01:31:58.180
So greedy in that position, but he gets away with it.

01:31:58.180 --> 01:31:59.780
making some clutch calls there,

01:31:59.780 --> 01:32:01.220
wanting to stagger the defense,

01:32:01.220 --> 01:32:02.480
long-term running out of options.

01:32:02.480 --> 01:32:03.780
Paralyze another setup.

01:32:03.780 --> 01:32:05.580
He gets stunned by Dallas.

01:32:05.580 --> 01:32:07.980
Time dilation is up, and the gaining damage on Blizzo.

01:32:07.980 --> 01:32:10.180
Zpie as well, taking some damage from the sacrifice,

01:32:10.180 --> 01:32:12.680
redirecting damage to himself at this point in time.

01:32:12.680 --> 01:32:15.380
The attribution palette isn't getting really as much momentum

01:32:15.380 --> 01:32:16.580
as I was anticipating.

01:32:16.580 --> 01:32:19.580
I actually am starting to believe in F tier here

01:32:19.580 --> 01:32:21.580
in game number four if they can hold on.

01:32:21.580 --> 01:32:23.980
And the opponent's caught, and he continues crowd control.

01:32:23.980 --> 01:32:25.380
Finally freed up for a moment,

01:32:25.380 --> 01:32:28.220
Sol, Dallas, pre-positioning, hammer of justice, storm bolt.

01:32:28.220 --> 01:32:32.420
That is the combo that Blizzo and Zpie need to initiate more frequently to isolate Sol.

01:32:32.420 --> 01:32:34.860
Meet counter-engages with the double-leg sweep of the zone,

01:32:34.860 --> 01:32:37.260
walking down Blizzo and Zpie in that stun.

01:32:37.260 --> 01:32:39.180
Both sides are recovering.

01:32:39.180 --> 01:32:42.660
Manna reasonably even at this point at 3-min apart.

01:32:42.660 --> 01:32:44.620
Dampening is starting to ramp.

01:32:44.620 --> 01:32:48.500
Both these healers are going to start feeling the pressure of that healing reduction in this match.

01:32:48.500 --> 01:32:50.740
Sol and Dallas, they've got quite a bit of damage here.

01:32:50.740 --> 01:32:52.980
Mipha has a life-scoot and he needs to make the trade,

01:32:52.980 --> 01:32:54.460
but they've been greedy with it so far.

01:32:54.460 --> 01:32:58.380
Good pressure here for the side of Guildbean, and this is an elimination game.

01:32:58.380 --> 01:33:02.540
If F-tier loses this there, out of the tournament, they need to tie it up here on Ruins with Dallas.

01:33:02.540 --> 01:33:04.380
This is so low, what a close call.

01:33:04.380 --> 01:33:06.280
Oh, really tense moment there for F-tier.

01:33:06.280 --> 01:33:06.780
No way!

01:33:06.780 --> 01:33:07.460
It's on my fault!

01:33:07.460 --> 01:33:09.580
The life you could finally trade.

01:33:09.580 --> 01:33:12.100
Neep is defiant, keeps his team alive.

01:33:12.100 --> 01:33:14.300
I can't believe how greedy Neep is right now.

01:33:14.300 --> 01:33:16.940
He is clutching it out at the final second, it's match point.

01:33:16.940 --> 01:33:20.460
They will be eliminated from the tournament if they lose this game right here,

01:33:20.460 --> 01:33:21.820
but Blizzard gets a full fear.

01:33:21.820 --> 01:33:25.020
And they have the Trimmer. Great Trimmer totem from Saul to support meep.

01:33:25.020 --> 01:33:27.420
Lone Tar is flying in, getting aggressive with the disintegrates.

01:33:27.420 --> 01:33:29.120
He's gonna regenerate Nana with those as well.

01:33:29.120 --> 01:33:30.420
So he's trying to stagger the lakin.

01:33:30.420 --> 01:33:33.020
But these roots, these entangling roots on Lone Tar

01:33:33.020 --> 01:33:34.420
are actually limiting the preservation.

01:33:34.420 --> 01:33:36.920
He poker a lot as far as his movement and healing capabilities,

01:33:36.920 --> 01:33:38.320
but his sleepwalking was secured.

01:33:38.320 --> 01:33:38.820
Uh-oh!

01:33:38.820 --> 01:33:39.720
So, fell behind.

01:33:39.720 --> 01:33:41.120
Are they gonna be able to topple them?

01:33:41.120 --> 01:33:42.520
Lone Tar is carrying right now.

01:33:42.520 --> 01:33:43.820
He's getting so much prowl control.

01:33:43.820 --> 01:33:46.520
He's doing so much damage as well at this moment in time,

01:33:46.520 --> 01:33:48.520
but he gets caught and paralyzed. He's intercepted.

01:33:48.520 --> 01:33:51.020
Rizzo is getting rocked as Lone Tar trinkets out

01:33:51.020 --> 01:33:55.260
to clutch in the burden embrace and now there is no trigger for long tar no emerald communion

01:33:55.260 --> 01:33:59.380
those are the two major mechanics it's deep eye that needs to carry the team through the

01:33:59.380 --> 01:34:00.380
next assault.

01:34:00.380 --> 01:34:03.780
Yeah he has to save the day, ascendance for sol coming up in just a few short seconds

01:34:03.780 --> 01:34:06.700
he needs just a few seconds for that offensive cool down.

01:34:06.700 --> 01:34:10.740
Willis burl underground will survive for the time being but f tier has a lot of damage

01:34:10.740 --> 01:34:13.940
available whether they're going to pull the trigger but the offense from gildeen is just

01:34:13.940 --> 01:34:18.900
over welding f tier sleepwalk on meatmonk sol's low on health what is meatmonk going

01:34:18.900 --> 01:34:23.860
to do to keep him alive, Salsa solo at the same time though, Blizzow gets caught into the stun of the Northboard!

01:34:23.860 --> 01:34:28.900
F2 wants to get the crosskiller here, but it looks like Blizzow will survive, but a very tense call that

01:34:28.900 --> 01:34:34.340
will do everything at Lone Tower right there. They're still keeping momentum. Maybe they could sneak it in if they're greedy here.

01:34:34.340 --> 01:34:38.900
Not enough damage, looks like Lone Tower is ready for it, but the cost is so much better right now.

01:34:38.900 --> 01:34:43.860
Blinding Light, Invasion, and Z-Py with a strong play. Good combo from Blizzow and Z-Py with that crowd.

01:34:43.860 --> 01:34:46.100
Teamwork and Saul is getting annihilated.

01:34:46.100 --> 01:34:48.020
Meet makes an exchange, but now Talos gets swapped too.

01:34:48.020 --> 01:34:49.260
He's retreated to the Tombstone.

01:34:49.260 --> 01:34:51.220
Heidi and Bairporn trying to charge in

01:34:51.220 --> 01:34:52.420
and get some stuns for his team.

01:34:52.420 --> 01:34:54.420
He's engaging once again, and can they close it?

01:34:54.420 --> 01:34:56.460
Bigheel comes in from Zephyr back on hand,

01:34:56.460 --> 01:34:58.860
but the same time, Longtar, they catch up and swap it.

01:34:58.860 --> 01:35:01.820
Every other community has at 1% health recovery

01:35:01.820 --> 01:35:03.860
in the time, but they get to find Shield.

01:35:03.860 --> 01:35:05.820
They blew out the entire defensive lineup,

01:35:05.820 --> 01:35:08.100
but Saul, it will he survive, it's caught in the stormboat.

01:35:08.100 --> 01:35:09.300
They're so close to taking him out.

01:35:09.300 --> 01:35:10.660
He is burrowed. He burrows right away.

01:35:10.660 --> 01:35:12.020
Meet, what are you gonna do?

01:35:12.020 --> 01:35:18.360
Campany at 27%, so much pressure, so much on the line, the defense has been shattered on both sides, anyone can take this.

01:35:18.360 --> 01:35:22.640
Oh, the ring of peace comes down, barely buying solid uptime, and he could easily fall!

01:35:22.640 --> 01:35:27.800
You know, Bean's on rules of order on trying to get the win here, but Zephyr at the same time, he's low on...

01:35:27.800 --> 01:35:28.800
No bubble!

01:35:28.800 --> 01:35:29.300
No bubble!

01:35:29.300 --> 01:35:34.000
That's a good beat, man, let's just do it after you're looking to take down Zephyr, but Loltzard keeps him alive.

01:35:34.000 --> 01:35:37.980
In a very scary situation, I don't know, this game's gonna go up much longer.

01:35:37.980 --> 01:35:40.540
Meep's in the stun to make it anything. They get a sleepwalk. He tremors it.

01:35:40.540 --> 01:35:44.540
They break free. They should be able to recover, but Sol is so low on healthy struggling to recover.

01:35:44.540 --> 01:35:47.100
Meep is struggling. They fought so battleantly to get to this point.

01:35:47.100 --> 01:35:50.220
Can Meep keep Sol alive right now? He leg shoots the DPS.

01:35:50.220 --> 01:35:53.580
Blizzo trinkets for the kill. An aggressive trinket. They can punish Blizzo for that.

01:35:53.580 --> 01:35:55.980
They stun a blowjob. What's up Zedger? Can they actually punish him?

01:35:55.980 --> 01:35:57.820
Can they punish Blizzo in this point of time?

01:35:57.820 --> 01:36:01.340
Blizzo a shockwave. He's got in their veins to save Zepi, but everyone is rotting.

01:36:01.340 --> 01:36:03.660
Sol and Dallas, they need to win with this momentum right now.

01:36:03.660 --> 01:36:06.060
They get a paralyze. No trinket. Zepi, well seen in protection.

01:36:06.060 --> 01:36:10.900
Can they purge it? They get the purge. They're rotting. They get the hex. They're so close to getting a kill right now.

01:36:10.900 --> 01:36:14.680
Can Volchar pull this off? Time dilation. He has rewind available for these greedy.

01:36:14.680 --> 01:36:19.600
Saul is getting lower in the midst of this exchange as well. And Zephyr, out of nowhere, could fall to complete damage.

01:36:19.600 --> 01:36:23.000
He holds on by a threat, and this is that nail-biter match point.

01:36:23.000 --> 01:36:27.400
Oh, it's happening at 34%. Both these heroes really feel in the pain here.

01:36:27.400 --> 01:36:31.240
Saul down to half. Once again, they need to find a setup, a stun here on to Blizzle.

01:36:31.240 --> 01:36:33.460
They need to slow him down. Blizzle with a blade storm.

01:36:33.460 --> 01:36:36.900
It's all leaps away, just trying to fight and get away, avoid the damage.

01:36:36.900 --> 01:36:37.400
They caught it!

01:36:37.400 --> 01:36:37.900
Stop it!

01:36:37.900 --> 01:36:38.400
At the point!

01:36:38.400 --> 01:36:38.900
At the point!

01:36:38.900 --> 01:36:41.540
They could easily fall down to 10% health.

01:36:41.540 --> 01:36:44.300
The triple fear comes in to survive, but is it enough?

01:36:44.300 --> 01:36:48.300
It didn't stop after, guess the second point.

01:36:48.300 --> 01:36:49.800
The Punish!

01:36:49.800 --> 01:36:50.900
The Punisher!

01:36:50.900 --> 01:36:52.740
Dallas comes in with the stuns.

01:36:52.740 --> 01:36:56.860
They clutch it out, and they take it to game number five.

01:36:56.860 --> 01:36:58.340
They were facing elimination.

01:36:58.340 --> 01:36:59.660
It felt like it was over.

01:36:59.660 --> 01:37:01.540
They had the technical difficulty replay.

01:37:01.540 --> 01:37:03.140
They had to go through the emotions of that

01:37:03.140 --> 01:37:09.340
After winning nine minutes, they have to go to runes of Lordaeron, facing the blender of Blizzo and Zipai.

01:37:09.340 --> 01:37:13.240
And now it looks like they are completely stunned. Gilbinar's stunned.

01:37:13.240 --> 01:37:15.540
They can't believe that they are in this position.

01:37:15.540 --> 01:37:21.440
F-tier are going to need to change their names to S-tier the way they're playing and how they swept the field this season.

01:37:21.440 --> 01:37:29.940
Incredible to see the level of competition they brought to the table, especially as a total dark horse in the competition that came in season one

01:37:29.940 --> 01:37:34.060
and overturn some of the key teams in North America.

01:37:34.060 --> 01:37:37.500
It's just incredible to see them continue moving forward.

01:37:37.500 --> 01:37:39.420
But honestly, we have to shout out as well.

01:37:39.420 --> 01:37:41.300
I think just the players on the team.

01:37:41.300 --> 01:37:43.100
Meep, in particular, I think this last time,

01:37:43.100 --> 01:37:46.380
this new player, that's sort of this incredible powerhouse.

01:37:46.380 --> 01:37:48.180
Super, what do you think really makes him

01:37:48.180 --> 01:37:50.260
a standout player for F tier?

01:37:50.260 --> 01:37:52.620
I don't even know the specifics.

01:37:52.620 --> 01:37:55.300
He's got such a wild personality.

01:37:55.300 --> 01:37:56.460
He will just be goofy.

01:37:56.460 --> 01:37:58.620
He'll be dancing on stream and goofing around.

01:37:58.620 --> 01:38:01.620
and then just immediately hardcore just focused,

01:38:01.620 --> 01:38:02.900
laser focused and dialed in.

01:38:02.900 --> 01:38:05.860
So he could be on any of those

01:38:05.860 --> 01:38:07.860
and just be able to pull off a win.

01:38:07.860 --> 01:38:10.260
He's quite a character to watch on his live streams

01:38:10.260 --> 01:38:12.700
and hear now on the live stages well Zika.

01:38:12.700 --> 01:38:13.540
Yeah, absolutely.

01:38:13.540 --> 01:38:17.100
I mean, this game was very, very explosive.

01:38:17.100 --> 01:38:20.300
And you can see here, Sol getting caught in this position

01:38:20.300 --> 01:38:22.940
and the meatball coming in with a triple next week there

01:38:22.940 --> 01:38:24.820
just to buy him a little bit of time

01:38:24.820 --> 01:38:26.020
throughout the years as well.

01:38:26.020 --> 01:38:27.580
And this was another crazy moment.

01:38:27.580 --> 01:38:29.460
They get the double deep breath from Lontar.

01:38:29.460 --> 01:38:31.580
Lontar sends the rewind.

01:38:31.580 --> 01:38:34.940
We saw double offensive trinkets coming out from Blizzo and Zipai.

01:38:34.940 --> 01:38:37.540
And then here, once again, they catch Blizzo.

01:38:37.540 --> 01:38:38.940
They have no more defensive cooldowns.

01:38:38.940 --> 01:38:40.620
Lontar is stuck in that leg sweep.

01:38:40.620 --> 01:38:42.940
The time dilation comes out, but it's not enough.

01:38:42.940 --> 01:38:47.020
And even when Blizzo goes down, he is so tough to kill.

01:38:47.020 --> 01:38:49.180
He manages to sneak out with the intervening.

01:38:49.180 --> 01:38:51.260
He manages to stall with the triple fear.

01:38:51.260 --> 01:38:55.420
And he manages to just buy a little bit of extra time

01:38:55.420 --> 01:38:56.420
in that position.

01:38:56.420 --> 01:39:01.420
but it's not enough and FTR showing that they have

01:39:01.540 --> 01:39:04.580
what it takes here, even on the ruins of Lordaeron,

01:39:04.580 --> 01:39:06.740
even against the scary Red Warrior.

01:39:06.740 --> 01:39:08.900
And it begs a couple of questions, you know,

01:39:08.900 --> 01:39:13.500
bringing in Z-Py cold, benching, Maro and FTR

01:39:13.500 --> 01:39:15.860
having a lot of experience into Red Warrior

01:39:15.860 --> 01:39:18.980
where they didn't look as experienced into the boomkin.

01:39:18.980 --> 01:39:22.740
I mean, these are all things that Gildbeen kind of gave up.

01:39:22.740 --> 01:39:23.660
I mean, it was interesting, right?

01:39:23.660 --> 01:39:25.700
That Z-Py swap, and we were kind of pointing it out

01:39:25.700 --> 01:39:27.220
at the start because it could have been, I think,

01:39:27.220 --> 01:39:29.420
a real crucial factor to sway things here.

01:39:29.420 --> 01:39:31.020
But then, how do you think Zify actually

01:39:31.020 --> 01:39:32.540
worked out for Guilty?

01:39:32.540 --> 01:39:33.860
I think it's one of those things.

01:39:33.860 --> 01:39:35.820
When you're a warrior, you just want uptime.

01:39:35.820 --> 01:39:37.700
It's like you want whatever can enable you.

01:39:37.700 --> 01:39:40.580
I feel like after they're doing a really good job, especially

01:39:40.580 --> 01:39:41.740
with things like the Ring of Peace,

01:39:41.740 --> 01:39:43.100
to just make it difficult for Blizzo.

01:39:43.100 --> 01:39:45.620
And unfortunately, it's caught here behind the pillar

01:39:45.620 --> 01:39:46.700
and taken down.

01:39:46.700 --> 01:39:48.620
But I think the idea behind the Rep Paladin

01:39:48.620 --> 01:39:51.300
is Mara was just not being enabled

01:39:51.300 --> 01:39:53.580
when they're utilizing the pillars the way they are.

01:39:53.580 --> 01:39:56.980
So I think the strategy of F tier is kind of forcing their hand into something new.

01:39:56.980 --> 01:40:00.580
And it's like I mentioned, you don't fight a lot of teams that are going to be playing

01:40:00.580 --> 01:40:05.180
a feral elemental shaman at this level, especially with a misweaver monk.

01:40:05.180 --> 01:40:07.980
So we talked about F tier, they really are a wild card.

01:40:07.980 --> 01:40:12.380
They're bringing in unique compositions that a lot of these teams haven't practiced and prepared for.

01:40:12.380 --> 01:40:20.280
And under pressure, it's very, I mean, I want to say it's very cool to see that they've managed to kind of rise to the occasion and come back in the series.

01:40:20.280 --> 01:40:23.880
It really is. And honestly, I, you know, I have to call you out a little bit,

01:40:23.880 --> 01:40:31.320
Supa, because partway through this last game, you did say, I am actually starting to believe in F tier.

01:40:31.320 --> 01:40:34.680
Even though I believe in F tier, you predicted that they were going to win.

01:40:34.680 --> 01:40:37.480
Explained. Well, that belief was shattered a bit when they were down two points.

01:40:37.480 --> 01:40:41.880
Oh yeah, sure. Okay. So it was just a back and forth. But now you definitely believe.

01:40:41.880 --> 01:40:45.240
It was a turn code. I just switched sides. That's interesting because when they were down two,

01:40:45.240 --> 01:40:50.040
I believed in them. It just goes to show that predictions can change

01:40:50.040 --> 01:40:55.800
as you watch the series unfold and honestly between teams that are this good at this caliber,

01:40:55.800 --> 01:41:01.880
it is exceptional and just showcases what makes Arena so phenomenal and so dynamic to watch and

01:41:01.880 --> 01:41:06.360
be a part of it in any capacity. But then we're taking a look at some of the recaps that we got

01:41:06.360 --> 01:41:10.600
to see with Blizzo. What do you think about the deaths and some of the damage that came in?

01:41:10.600 --> 01:41:14.440
I feel like Saul, he really brought the pain there at the end of putting in a million damage

01:41:14.440 --> 01:41:19.160
over those last 10 seconds. So really contributing there, but ultimately it was Dallas catching Blizzo

01:41:19.160 --> 01:41:23.560
and that's done, but as team's playing phenomenal. I want to talk about Meat Monk as well. One of the

01:41:23.560 --> 01:41:28.280
things that makes him a really special player for me is, like Supiti's mentioned, he's got that

01:41:28.280 --> 01:41:32.440
really kind of chaotic personality where he's dancing around, he's being really goofy, but

01:41:32.440 --> 01:41:39.400
he is so calm under pressure. Like, he's making these trades, or he's not making trades in these

01:41:39.400 --> 01:41:43.400
scary situations where most healers would, you know, feel like, okay, I have to use Life Cocoon,

01:41:43.400 --> 01:41:48.760
but he's just so greedy and his communication in game gives you confidence as a player that you,

01:41:48.760 --> 01:41:50.640
You know, everything's going to be okay.

01:41:50.640 --> 01:41:52.840
And I think it's nice to have someone like that on your roster.

01:41:52.840 --> 01:41:54.600
Yeah, you want somebody you can believe in like that

01:41:54.600 --> 01:41:56.960
and that you can really feel is going to always kind of be there

01:41:56.960 --> 01:41:58.280
to make that right call in the moment.

01:41:58.280 --> 01:41:59.800
And he's so slippery.

01:41:59.800 --> 01:42:02.320
Those moments where you can tell that Guildbean thinks

01:42:02.320 --> 01:42:04.200
that they just have him and then he's just out.

01:42:04.200 --> 01:42:06.200
He's gone. He's gotten away.

01:42:06.200 --> 01:42:08.320
Very, very crucial, especially when you're supporting the team

01:42:08.320 --> 01:42:09.920
and the capacity that he does.

01:42:09.920 --> 01:42:13.400
But I mean, Ziko, we have to see who's going to win this.

01:42:13.400 --> 01:42:15.320
And it is so close.

01:42:15.320 --> 01:42:17.040
The caliber of play from these teams,

01:42:17.040 --> 01:42:20.400
Do you think they've only continued to grow or change since even season one?

01:42:20.800 --> 01:42:21.780
Yeah, absolutely.

01:42:21.780 --> 01:42:26.640
I mean, Gilbeam is kind of an old school roster that came back together for this

01:42:26.640 --> 01:42:31.280
season with the objective of making it to BlizzCon and hopefully for them,

01:42:31.280 --> 01:42:31.840
they want to win it.

01:42:31.840 --> 01:42:33.040
Lontar is here to win.

01:42:33.280 --> 01:42:37.480
The Bizzu, Zipai and Morrow have all been just one game away from winning.

01:42:37.480 --> 01:42:42.240
So these guys are here to win and Eftir, I mean, this is a team that kind of formed

01:42:42.240 --> 01:42:45.920
together and got stronger and stronger and stronger throughout the seasons.

01:42:45.920 --> 01:42:55.420
And now we're finding them more and more in the upper echelons throughout the regular season, causing upsets and just sticking to their guns.

01:42:55.420 --> 01:42:59.720
Well, Guildbean said that they were the only team that was capable of beating Echo.

01:42:59.720 --> 01:43:02.620
And if they couldn't do it, nobody else would be able to do it.

01:43:02.620 --> 01:43:06.020
They're one game away from being eliminated and not getting that opportunity.

01:43:06.020 --> 01:43:09.520
Those words are definitely, I think, hanging over them in this moment.

01:43:09.520 --> 01:43:12.020
Because then you also have to set up that Gibbs, right?

01:43:12.020 --> 01:43:29.020
Well, if F tier takes them down, then can F tier take down Echo, which I think is something we'd all love to see Echo, of course, a team that even across regions is kind of a standard that so many others are compared to, and it's a rare chance the teams get to face off together, cross region, especially live at a BlizzCon.

01:43:29.020 --> 01:43:34.020
So, I mean, getting to finally showdown, I think that it must be something that's really important to all of that.

01:43:34.020 --> 01:43:38.020
I think especially moving into

01:43:38.020 --> 01:43:40.020
BlizzCon, obviously there's teams that are favorites and

01:43:40.020 --> 01:43:42.020
compositions that are favorites, but I don't really see it that way.

01:43:42.020 --> 01:43:46.020
I feel like in this environment, in a single elimination tournament,

01:43:46.020 --> 01:43:50.020
especially when these teams haven't had an opportunity to play against each other very much,

01:43:50.020 --> 01:43:53.020
it really is anyone's game. All you have to do is win one series,

01:43:53.020 --> 01:43:56.020
you pick up that first game, start building up a little bit of momentum.

01:43:56.020 --> 01:43:58.020
Maybe the enemy team gets a little bit scared.

01:43:58.020 --> 01:44:02.020
So it is a situation where really anything can happen.

01:44:02.020 --> 01:44:06.980
And I think after is kind of proving that because I think a lot of people in the series thought consider them a huge underdog

01:44:07.220 --> 01:44:09.980
Yeah, I mean honestly again them coming in like this

01:44:09.980 --> 01:44:15.020
I think it's just a great showcase for anyone out there that kind of looks at competitive when you're going

01:44:15.020 --> 01:44:17.300
Oh, there are these teams that have been established for so long

01:44:17.300 --> 01:44:20.340
How could anybody get in there or really change things up?

01:44:20.540 --> 01:44:26.460
You can it can happen and it's phenomenal when it does so after you have definitely worked so hard

01:44:26.460 --> 01:44:32.580
And I think that practice is really paying off as we see them this big powerhouse here and now on the blizzcon stage

01:44:32.660 --> 01:44:36.980
But Ziko this is a big game ahead of them. What do you think right now?

01:44:36.980 --> 01:44:41.480
They're kind of trying to think through and strategize as we come up on this final game

01:44:41.480 --> 01:44:47.300
I mean just look at the price pull right here. It's three hundred thousand dollars and

01:44:47.940 --> 01:44:51.060
Winning the series. I mean you could go from fifth to sixth

01:44:51.700 --> 01:44:55.080
Moving up to forty thousand moving up to sixty thousand so

01:44:55.080 --> 01:45:00.800
So, the further you get, even if you don't win, you're winning a lot more money, and

01:45:00.800 --> 01:45:05.320
that's also something that is all going to come down to one game for these teams, because

01:45:05.320 --> 01:45:08.120
if you lose, like we mentioned, it's single and in.

01:45:08.120 --> 01:45:09.120
You're out.

01:45:09.120 --> 01:45:10.120
There is no lower bracket.

01:45:10.120 --> 01:45:12.280
There is no second chances here.

01:45:12.280 --> 01:45:14.040
There is just, yeah, that's it.

01:45:14.040 --> 01:45:15.040
That's your run.

01:45:15.040 --> 01:45:20.400
And I know personally, if I'm in this seat, if I'm in this situation, if I'm either one

01:45:20.400 --> 01:45:25.360
of these teams, I would much rather be on F tier who are coming back into a reverse

01:45:25.360 --> 01:45:31.320
wave than the team that was up 2-0 and just dropped two maps. I would not want to be on

01:45:31.320 --> 01:45:35.840
the inside right now because if you're on their team, you just lost two back to back

01:45:35.840 --> 01:45:38.520
and motion is going to be running high. You're going to be thinking about a lot of things

01:45:38.520 --> 01:45:42.080
that you could have done better. Meanwhile, F tier, they just got momentum. We can do this

01:45:42.080 --> 01:45:45.160
guys. We were down 0 and 2. We just got to win one more.

01:45:45.160 --> 01:45:48.400
Yeah. I think that energy definitely drives you forward and we're seeing the draft picks

01:45:48.400 --> 01:45:52.080
come out now. So, Supa, what are your thoughts? I mean, Zipai is staying in.

01:45:52.080 --> 01:45:55.440
He is staying in. It's hook point, it's a small map. They believe in the cleave.

01:45:55.440 --> 01:45:58.240
It seemed like they were shaky as far as their defense. There was one moment where

01:45:58.240 --> 01:46:01.760
they used lay-on-hands, divine shield, long-tars major

01:46:01.760 --> 01:46:05.120
cooldown at the same time. They just overlapped way too many of their defensive

01:46:05.120 --> 01:46:08.800
options. So, I think for them, that was more rust than they had to kick off

01:46:08.800 --> 01:46:12.000
for their synergy as far as that comp. And now that they've worked through that,

01:46:12.000 --> 01:46:14.880
they get another second chance here on hook point.

01:46:14.880 --> 01:46:16.920
Yeah, I know they're going to want that chance, right?

01:46:16.920 --> 01:46:20.920
I mean, the teams, both of them here so close in our opening series.

01:46:20.920 --> 01:46:22.860
This sets the stakes high for the rest of the day.

01:46:22.860 --> 01:46:25.560
Then I mean, I can't wait to get into the other games,

01:46:25.560 --> 01:46:29.720
but we got a score to settle in this one going into game five on hook point.

01:46:30.220 --> 01:46:32.060
We are going to be heading in everyone.

01:46:32.060 --> 01:46:33.960
I mean, hook point is a dangerous place.

01:46:33.960 --> 01:46:35.360
The pirates aren't your only thread.

01:46:35.360 --> 01:46:38.060
You don't want to get dropped a shark on your head or anything like that.

01:46:38.060 --> 01:46:41.840
The teams have this limited narrow space that they're going to be contending in.

01:46:41.840 --> 01:46:45.280
I think it puts a lot of extra pressure on them as they face off,

01:46:45.280 --> 01:46:49.520
but the pressure is already just about as high as it can get here on the BlizzCon stage.

01:46:49.520 --> 01:46:54.960
Ftier and Guildbean both want to be BlizzCon 2026 AWC champions,

01:46:54.960 --> 01:46:59.040
but here and now one of them will be eliminated.

01:46:59.040 --> 01:47:02.720
This is hook point. We're going to have Ftier versus Guildbean Sufa.

01:47:02.720 --> 01:47:04.640
This is a huge one for both of them.

01:47:04.640 --> 01:47:09.120
Seven years since we've seen North America go up head to head with Europe,

01:47:09.120 --> 01:47:14.560
And who will be taking the first win? The gates are open and there is no going back.

01:47:14.560 --> 01:47:18.800
Luzzo getting rescued immediately in on top of his opponents and they are going for the

01:47:18.800 --> 01:47:23.920
croak. Initiating counter to all three members, enforcing ownership from Sol. And Blizzow has

01:47:23.920 --> 01:47:28.400
that gas pedal down on the floor, but will he be over-aggressive and punished?

01:47:29.200 --> 01:47:33.760
It's to be very careful in this match. You cannot get caught behind the pillar like we saw in that

01:47:33.760 --> 01:47:38.240
last game for Gilbien though. They still need to find that offense, so it's a really difficult

01:47:38.240 --> 01:47:42.720
balance you need to find in this matchup as F tier is not making it easy for them.

01:47:42.720 --> 01:47:47.040
This strategy they're implementing with Fighting and the Ring of Peace has been super effective so far.

01:48:08.240 --> 01:48:10.780
with position, and tries fishing impressively to ensure

01:48:10.780 --> 01:48:11.780
that he's in the right salt.

01:48:11.780 --> 01:48:12.620
This goes for the fear.

01:48:12.620 --> 01:48:13.280
Where's the tremor?

01:48:13.280 --> 01:48:14.160
Not available.

01:48:14.160 --> 01:48:15.560
He chooses to stick with his fear.

01:48:15.560 --> 01:48:17.360
It's a bit greedy with his will for sake.

01:48:17.360 --> 01:48:18.240
And now he gets stunned.

01:48:18.240 --> 01:48:19.760
He trick it like he comes immediately.

01:48:19.760 --> 01:48:20.440
No overlap.

01:48:20.440 --> 01:48:21.480
Clean play from Neith.

01:48:21.480 --> 01:48:23.560
The Dallas now low on health is not a lot of options.

01:48:23.560 --> 01:48:24.840
He's on the run in bare form.

01:48:24.840 --> 01:48:27.240
Retreating away with his team, looking for cyclones,

01:48:27.240 --> 01:48:28.840
as well as his moment in time.

01:48:28.840 --> 01:48:30.360
I think the hex is from Salt.

01:48:30.360 --> 01:48:33.480
And we need to see that he's able to start to secure those.

01:48:33.480 --> 01:48:35.240
I'm not one that proud to pull by this.

01:48:35.240 --> 01:48:37.680
So far, Gilbier's been looking good in this game

01:48:37.680 --> 01:48:40.720
So far interrupt here on the Dallas and Timmy very important

01:48:40.720 --> 01:48:47.160
They pull the cyclones of Dallas who is attempting to slow down Lizzo and Zivine by the time for that critical ascendance

01:48:47.160 --> 01:48:51.000
To come off the pull down for Saul Dallas now getting swapped to hammer of justice on me

01:48:51.000 --> 01:48:52.920
Well, please leave what they could do it here

01:48:52.920 --> 01:48:58.080
Dallas on the run in bare form at the same time Z5 and Lizzo rotting down just a little bit

01:48:58.080 --> 01:49:00.080
But the offense from Gil Bede has been great

01:49:00.160 --> 01:49:01.040
That's a long time

01:49:01.040 --> 01:49:02.480
But sanctuary

01:49:02.480 --> 01:49:08.480
How they can remove those stuns is going to be so difficult for F-tier to get through that Rep Paladin utility and support.

01:49:08.480 --> 01:49:09.980
Are they actually going to be able to pull this off?

01:49:09.980 --> 01:49:11.280
It's like one on Luntar.

01:49:11.280 --> 01:49:12.480
They're targeting Blitzow.

01:49:12.480 --> 01:49:13.480
Means they're ticking.

01:49:13.480 --> 01:49:16.180
Luntar is being played patiently here, holding at 50%.

01:49:16.180 --> 01:49:18.980
Leaps to clear a blinding light at the same moment as Sol falls behind.

01:49:18.980 --> 01:49:23.480
Into a hammer of justice, they swap on Dallas to feed trade survival instincts immediately in that exchange

01:49:23.480 --> 01:49:24.980
when it's still getting rocked at the moment.

01:49:24.980 --> 01:49:25.980
They manage to recover.

01:49:25.980 --> 01:49:26.980
Here comes the heroism.

01:49:26.980 --> 01:49:29.280
Big push from F-tier as they're ramping up their momentum.

01:49:29.280 --> 01:49:30.780
Blitzow will respect it.

01:49:30.780 --> 01:49:36.620
Trading the dive out of the sword the one with that ascendance rather now it will be misaligned with incarnation

01:49:36.620 --> 01:49:40.660
And that's a big window but the Dallas is just pushing to get emerald communion before the incarnation

01:49:40.780 --> 01:49:45.860
Which is about 30 seconds away for Dallas. That was a big push from F tier. They have a clear opening

01:49:46.540 --> 01:49:51.540
Ring of peace once again. See by end was those trying to reconnect but I do like that. They're going after Dallas

01:49:51.540 --> 01:49:52.520
They can't connect the salt

01:49:52.520 --> 01:49:57.340
They're still putting out the pressure but salt in the meantime taking quite a bit of damage here huge hit meat

01:49:57.340 --> 01:50:01.940
FG is falling behind, but I think FG will be able to recover them.

01:50:01.940 --> 01:50:05.000
Define and go to the left, which has been a great so far.

01:50:05.000 --> 01:50:06.480
Saul on the run, he gets interrupted.

01:50:06.480 --> 01:50:09.640
Beautiful control here from the side of Gil B.

01:50:09.640 --> 01:50:12.800
But Flizzo caught to a stun, paralyze, and a kick here on the Lontar.

01:50:12.800 --> 01:50:17.000
A little bit of pressure started to develop, but Dampening advance just started to ramp up.

01:50:17.000 --> 01:50:19.000
Another sleep, no Tremortotum available.

01:50:19.000 --> 01:50:21.240
Dallas is in their phone. Another one from Lontar.

01:50:21.240 --> 01:50:23.500
He's getting aggressive on matchpoint, trying to carry the team.

01:50:23.500 --> 01:50:25.340
They followed up with Hammer of Justice and Saul.

01:50:25.340 --> 01:50:26.340
It's critically low.

01:50:26.340 --> 01:50:27.340
Overlap.

01:50:27.340 --> 01:50:31.140
The first overlap, the first significant piece of error that we see from F tier, and even

01:50:31.140 --> 01:50:35.060
one singular error will lose you the match at this level.

01:50:35.060 --> 01:50:36.060
Can Gildbeam punish it?

01:50:36.060 --> 01:50:37.560
They need to survive Dallas' incarnation.

01:50:37.560 --> 01:50:39.060
Are they prepared for it?

01:50:39.060 --> 01:50:40.060
They need the sanctuary.

01:50:40.060 --> 01:50:43.380
They want your long turn on a heal, but it also seems to have recovered from that incarnation.

01:50:43.380 --> 01:50:48.420
This is the window that F tier were setting up earlier, and they get nothing for it.

01:50:48.420 --> 01:50:50.540
Pressure on these players cannot be higher.

01:50:50.540 --> 01:50:55.300
The loser of this is eliminated from the tournament, so it seems really need to step it up here.

01:50:55.300 --> 01:50:59.540
of justice now in a meet. Saul getting down low once again. Huge setup here on the low

01:50:59.540 --> 01:51:03.620
tar. What is he going to do? The time dilation comes in. He will mitigate the attack but

01:51:03.620 --> 01:51:07.460
burns through some of his defense cooldowns to do so. Ring piece dropped down once again

01:51:07.460 --> 01:51:11.700
as Saul is retreating. The Storm Keeper is loaded up. Saul has a lot of damage available.

01:51:11.700 --> 01:51:13.260
Who are they going to put it on?

01:51:13.260 --> 01:51:17.420
Right, Saul. Storm Keeper. Oh no, it got rebuked. That Storm Keeper is critical. Saul is not

01:51:17.420 --> 01:51:20.220
able to get that off. He's going to lose a lot of damage. He's trying to retreat to get

01:51:20.220 --> 01:51:23.620
it off around the corner. He goes for it again. He gets the Storm Keeper. His lightning bolts

01:51:23.620 --> 01:51:24.620
are ready to fly.

01:51:24.620 --> 01:51:26.760
They're going to target with a long time pre deep breaths and

01:51:26.760 --> 01:51:28.680
it's the whole team with it.

01:51:28.680 --> 01:51:30.320
Long time is playing amazingly.

01:51:30.320 --> 01:51:33.080
This is a phenomenal game from him in this position.

01:51:33.080 --> 01:51:36.520
He's actually carrying the roster on that healing role and

01:51:36.520 --> 01:51:38.320
how are we going to be able to shut him down?

01:51:38.320 --> 01:51:39.360
We need to catch him in crowd control.

01:51:39.360 --> 01:51:40.120
They do force the dive.

01:51:40.120 --> 01:51:42.400
We start from the warrior, which is a major change from

01:51:42.400 --> 01:51:42.720
blizzard.

01:51:42.720 --> 01:51:44.920
And now he's popping avatar trying to ramp up and it's

01:51:44.920 --> 01:51:47.160
really Zpie who's going to be tested.

01:51:47.160 --> 01:51:49.020
We'll be able to hold on to his major cooldowns like

01:51:49.020 --> 01:51:52.120
lay on hands and find that critical moment to connect them.

01:51:52.120 --> 01:51:55.480
One thing I'm noticing too, MeatBunk finding beautiful likesweeps in this matchup.

01:51:55.480 --> 01:51:58.440
This strategy allows it. Big setup here on Meat, though. What are they going to do?

01:51:58.440 --> 01:52:00.200
He's got the Restoral. Will he make the trade?

01:52:00.200 --> 01:52:03.560
Playing a greedy, not scumming to the pressure, his team survived.

01:52:03.560 --> 01:52:06.520
They do have the cooldowns, but at the same time, Poliso is down to half.

01:52:06.520 --> 01:52:11.160
Lontar has burned through so many of his options here, as well as his mana.

01:52:11.160 --> 01:52:13.480
So it's a very close game here. Dampening is getting higher.

01:52:13.480 --> 01:52:16.280
Poliso's low on health, match point, Cyclone on Lontar.

01:52:16.280 --> 01:52:20.040
And he makes the trade with his Trinket and won't have that available for another two minutes.

01:52:20.040 --> 01:52:22.880
Oh, man, Saul is critically low right now as healers in the sleepwalk.

01:52:22.880 --> 01:52:24.240
It's match point, it's game five.

01:52:24.240 --> 01:52:26.840
There's no going back at single elimination

01:52:26.840 --> 01:52:28.880
in an entire year of competition on the line.

01:52:28.880 --> 01:52:31.120
It's been seven years since we've had a Flizzcon.

01:52:31.120 --> 01:52:32.440
And will they be able to hold on?

01:52:32.440 --> 01:52:33.400
They do for now.

01:52:33.400 --> 01:52:34.440
Big pressure on Blizzo.

01:52:34.440 --> 01:52:36.000
Lontar trades out as Emerald Communion.

01:52:36.000 --> 01:52:38.480
And this is a check point position for them.

01:52:38.480 --> 01:52:40.240
The warrior has no defensive cooldowns.

01:52:40.240 --> 01:52:42.480
Lontar has no defensive cooldowns in that invoker.

01:52:42.480 --> 01:52:44.920
And this is where Zpie will be tested.

01:52:44.920 --> 01:52:46.520
Will he make the right calculation?

01:52:46.520 --> 01:52:47.600
They're getting aggressively forced.

01:52:47.600 --> 01:52:50.600
Barrow from Saul, keeping their momentum at the same point in time,

01:52:50.600 --> 01:52:53.600
but they need to be ready to flip to defense at any moment.

01:52:53.600 --> 01:52:55.600
Yeah, Saul used that ghost wolf to try to get away,

01:52:55.600 --> 01:52:58.600
and the store-bill comes in, he gets caught, sleepwalk on Meep,

01:52:58.600 --> 01:53:00.600
and now Saul is in danger. He has the Astroship.

01:53:00.600 --> 01:53:03.600
Will he make the trade? He does. Super durable right now in this situation,

01:53:03.600 --> 01:53:05.600
but is it enough? Does Meep have to trade with a life-due?

01:53:05.600 --> 01:53:08.600
That would be a disaster in terms of overlap,

01:53:08.600 --> 01:53:10.600
but the pressure from Gilbeen is immense,

01:53:10.600 --> 01:53:12.600
but at the same time, Blizzow's vulnerable if they can land that stun.

01:53:12.600 --> 01:53:16.600
Oh, the pressure on Meep right now. Everybody on his team is low health.

01:53:16.600 --> 01:53:18.840
Dampening is so high and they are struggling.

01:53:18.840 --> 01:53:20.280
They're dog piling on top of Saul.

01:53:20.280 --> 01:53:22.120
They want to close it and his meep ready for it.

01:53:22.120 --> 01:53:23.400
He pulls up a miracle.

01:53:23.400 --> 01:53:26.120
He stabilizes the team and now Bliso falls behind.

01:53:26.120 --> 01:53:27.120
Paralysed!

01:53:27.120 --> 01:53:28.120
They're catching it!

01:53:28.120 --> 01:53:30.560
They're so close but Zepi is there with that important lay on hands

01:53:30.560 --> 01:53:31.880
that I was talking about.

01:53:31.880 --> 01:53:34.400
Critical play from Zepi right at that moment in time.

01:53:34.400 --> 01:53:35.920
And now momentum is swinging in their favor.

01:53:35.920 --> 01:53:36.920
Saul falls behind.

01:53:36.920 --> 01:53:38.320
Deep breath engagement from Lontar.

01:53:38.320 --> 01:53:39.320
He's pushing for it.

01:53:39.320 --> 01:53:40.320
The win.

01:53:40.320 --> 01:53:41.320
Can they do it?

01:53:41.320 --> 01:53:42.320
But Thalus is there with a cyclone on Lontar.

01:53:42.320 --> 01:53:43.680
Seconds away from his trinket.

01:53:43.680 --> 01:53:44.920
He's holding on by a thread.

01:53:44.920 --> 01:53:47.280
You can tell that the tension is high.

01:53:47.280 --> 01:53:49.800
They've been playing this entire year for this moment.

01:53:49.800 --> 01:53:51.640
Yeah, both these teams playing out of their minds,

01:53:51.640 --> 01:53:52.560
but it is dangerous.

01:53:52.560 --> 01:53:54.000
The blinding light comes in at the same time.

01:53:54.000 --> 01:53:54.880
Blizzow's low on health.

01:53:54.880 --> 01:53:57.720
It is a race to the finish between these two teams.

01:53:57.720 --> 01:53:59.440
And I don't know how much longer these healers

01:53:59.440 --> 01:54:02.360
can keep it up a full hammer of justice lands onto meep.

01:54:02.360 --> 01:54:03.640
And Saul is still on the run.

01:54:03.640 --> 01:54:04.760
The shockwave comes in.

01:54:04.760 --> 01:54:06.320
They're bringing a piece to deny.

01:54:06.320 --> 01:54:07.880
And Saul stays alive at the same time.

01:54:07.880 --> 01:54:09.800
Zephyr and Blizzow are getting low.

01:54:09.800 --> 01:54:12.560
Who is going to fall for the divine shield trades?

01:54:12.560 --> 01:54:14.720
And Blizzow has to dive on the sword if he needs it.

01:54:14.720 --> 01:54:16.200
He has it, but won't charge him.

01:54:16.200 --> 01:54:19.240
Won't charge no mana to keep this going, but Mipha's almost zoomed as well.

01:54:19.240 --> 01:54:20.680
Anyone can take it at this game.

01:54:20.680 --> 01:54:22.960
It can come down to a 2 versus 2 at some point here.

01:54:22.960 --> 01:54:24.800
Is Zephyr, is he going to be able to hold on?

01:54:24.800 --> 01:54:26.600
Is he going to be able to hold on?

01:54:26.600 --> 01:54:30.120
Lothar is struggling, and with absolutely nothing left, does it?

01:54:30.120 --> 01:54:32.440
Pulled up a miracle, he gets Blizzo back to 80.

01:54:32.440 --> 01:54:35.760
He gets Zephyr back to 80% health, and now he's on DR for clone.

01:54:35.760 --> 01:54:38.440
He's going to be able to free cast Saul loads up the stormkeeper.

01:54:38.440 --> 01:54:40.240
One last round of lightning.

01:54:40.240 --> 01:54:41.600
Can Saul connect it?

01:54:41.600 --> 01:54:42.720
Can he get the crits?

01:54:42.720 --> 01:54:44.200
And can he fall?

01:54:44.200 --> 01:54:45.320
He is so close!

01:54:45.320 --> 01:54:46.720
They deny the killer here from Meep.

01:54:46.720 --> 01:54:48.720
They overlap defense though. Meep is vulnerable.

01:54:48.720 --> 01:54:51.220
He gets caught in sleep. They trimmer it right away, but they are struggling.

01:54:51.220 --> 01:54:54.480
There is no mana available for either side at this point.

01:54:54.480 --> 01:54:56.940
Anybody could fall there. Seconds away.

01:54:56.940 --> 01:54:58.920
Can they hold on? Bust here, protection comes through.

01:54:58.920 --> 01:55:00.600
Zpie divine protection as well.

01:55:00.600 --> 01:55:03.640
Defense from Zpie is solid. There is no overlap. There are no gaps.

01:55:03.640 --> 01:55:05.840
He has changed his team together effectively.

01:55:05.840 --> 01:55:08.800
And now it's just one final push away.

01:55:08.800 --> 01:55:10.840
Yeah, Sol's desperately trying to survive.

01:55:10.840 --> 01:55:12.880
Does he have the burrowing? He needs to get away!

01:55:12.880 --> 01:55:16.720
Guild Bean wants to close this out. It is such a close match here.

01:55:16.720 --> 01:55:22.320
Sol and Dallas in desperation. He gets underground, but I don't think Dallas is gonna be able to survive.

01:55:22.320 --> 01:55:24.800
And he falls. Guild Bean does it.

01:55:26.000 --> 01:55:27.840
Guild Bean does it.

01:55:28.960 --> 01:55:39.520
And yet this was a brutal matchup. We see this death coming in. F-tier still trying, but you can see Neatmump's face just crushed to come so close at BlizzCon.

01:55:39.520 --> 01:55:45.520
This has come so close to overthrowing these veteran teams, but the Old Guard stands strong.

01:55:45.520 --> 01:55:49.520
Gild Bean have come back in their dreams for a BlizzCon win.

01:55:49.520 --> 01:55:51.520
Are still possible.

01:55:51.520 --> 01:55:53.520
What an incredible series to buy.

01:55:53.520 --> 01:55:55.520
I feel like I am still reeling.

01:55:55.520 --> 01:55:59.520
That was Grand Finals quality right there, and that's the first series of the day.

01:55:59.520 --> 01:56:01.520
So we're just getting started.

01:56:01.520 --> 01:56:05.520
Gild Bean light a fire under themselves here in this match point.

01:56:05.520 --> 01:56:09.900
They cleaned up every mistake that they made throughout the series and left no openings

01:56:09.900 --> 01:56:12.460
for F tier to take advantage of.

01:56:12.460 --> 01:56:15.220
Absolutely heartbreaking for them, but it's just the same for Gilbeen.

01:56:15.220 --> 01:56:16.420
They've been fighting for years.

01:56:16.420 --> 01:56:20.220
Tomorrow, the last time he was here, he came one game away from winning BlizzCon.

01:56:20.220 --> 01:56:23.620
He's letting the other team know that this is brutal for these guys.

01:56:23.620 --> 01:56:25.180
They're putting everything on the line.

01:56:25.180 --> 01:56:29.820
They know how hard the situation is to be able to work through and F tier put on a show

01:56:29.820 --> 01:56:30.820
for us.

01:56:30.820 --> 01:56:33.740
So I think that deserves more than a round of applause for both of these teams.

01:56:33.740 --> 01:56:39.100
couldn't ask for a better first series on the day. Yeah everyone give it up for our first two teams

01:56:39.100 --> 01:56:47.500
of the Arena World Championship here today. F-tier and Guildby. They've given us an explosive start

01:56:47.500 --> 01:56:52.860
to the competition. I mean Ben, like I said you couldn't ask for a better start. Just think about

01:56:52.860 --> 01:56:57.740
how intense the competition is this season. My heart can't take it. I mean that was just way

01:56:57.740 --> 01:57:03.260
too close. Way too intense between these two teams but I mean Guildby, it's a battle back there. That

01:57:03.260 --> 01:57:06.760
That was such a close game number five, but you also got to hand it to FCR.

01:57:06.760 --> 01:57:10.060
I mean, they really, you know, came back in the series.

01:57:10.060 --> 01:57:10.860
They fought hard.

01:57:10.860 --> 01:57:13.260
And this is just such an impressive performance by both these teams.

01:57:13.260 --> 01:57:15.960
It's like you mentioned, competition is so high.

01:57:16.460 --> 01:57:20.060
It's so fun for me as well to see these different regions kind of cross

01:57:20.060 --> 01:57:21.560
and are able to do battle.

01:57:21.760 --> 01:57:23.360
It makes the competition so fun.

01:57:23.760 --> 01:57:24.160
It does.

01:57:24.160 --> 01:57:24.860
And you know what?

01:57:25.160 --> 01:57:26.360
We got to enjoy all of this.

01:57:26.360 --> 01:57:30.860
We can hear from the teams themselves and how they felt as we have a representative here from Guildbead.

01:57:30.860 --> 01:57:34.100
I would you like to give us some insights with tomorrow?

01:57:34.100 --> 01:57:36.900
Hello, I'm here with Mario of Guild Bean.

01:57:36.900 --> 01:57:38.700
First of all, congratulations on that win.

01:57:38.700 --> 01:57:41.180
You've got some fans in the audience I can hear as well.

01:57:41.180 --> 01:57:41.660
Come on.

01:57:41.660 --> 01:57:47.460
All right, you were saying right before we went live with this interview that it was

01:57:47.460 --> 01:57:48.900
too much for you to be on the bench.

01:57:48.900 --> 01:57:50.140
What does that mean?

01:57:50.140 --> 01:57:52.740
The last one minute of that game was so stressful.

01:57:52.740 --> 01:57:54.860
It was like the most stressful experience of my life.

01:57:54.860 --> 01:57:56.460
I thought there were hundreds of things.

01:57:56.460 --> 01:57:58.620
And it was like I thought it was completely over.

01:57:58.620 --> 01:58:02.020
and I feel like playing is much easier than sitting on a bench,

01:58:02.020 --> 01:58:06.220
but we just thought the right order pick was going to be better, so yeah.

01:58:07.220 --> 01:58:09.420
Yeah, I mean, you guys were able to almost,

01:58:09.420 --> 01:58:11.920
they got the reverse rebounding clutched enough at the end.

01:58:11.920 --> 01:58:14.820
I mean, what kind of happened there? How did that unravel exactly?

01:58:15.220 --> 01:58:18.320
I mean, to be honest, I don't think the first two games we maybe shouldn't have won.

01:58:18.320 --> 01:58:21.520
It was kind of like closed and I don't think they played as good as they did

01:58:21.520 --> 01:58:23.320
from like the third game onwards.

01:58:23.320 --> 01:58:25.920
And when they started playing better, it felt like the matchup wasn't that good.

01:58:25.920 --> 01:58:28.420
And then we had some technical difficulties.

01:58:28.420 --> 01:58:30.940
So our healer's keyboard was not really working for two games.

01:58:30.940 --> 01:58:33.580
So yeah, but I mean, heads up to them.

01:58:33.580 --> 01:58:34.540
They played really insane.

01:58:34.540 --> 01:58:37.780
And I mean, they deserved it just as much as we did.

01:58:37.780 --> 01:58:38.180
Amazing.

01:58:38.180 --> 01:58:40.860
Well, your team has a ton of BlizzCon experience,

01:58:40.860 --> 01:58:42.020
a ton of LAN experience.

01:58:42.020 --> 01:58:45.260
But it's been quite some time since I've been able to see you guys in person.

01:58:45.260 --> 01:58:48.180
What does it mean to be back on the BlizzCon stage?

01:58:48.180 --> 01:58:49.220
It means everything to us.

01:58:49.220 --> 01:58:52.100
I mean, for us, I said it before, we did a whole goal this year

01:58:52.100 --> 01:58:54.100
was to make it to BlizzCon, be here.

01:58:54.100 --> 01:58:57.940
And I mean, now we get to play the rematch of the BlizzCon finals 2019,

01:58:57.940 --> 01:59:01.980
last time BlizzCon happened and yeah we're really looking forward to it and

01:59:01.980 --> 01:59:05.780
try to do our best. Alright incredible final question grand finals are you ready?

01:59:05.780 --> 01:59:12.220
What did you say? The grand finals are you ready? We're ready. Alright well you can send it back to Rook but

01:59:12.220 --> 01:59:17.500
congratulations once again tomorrow of Guild of Beam. Huge congratulations indeed

01:59:17.500 --> 01:59:21.460
Guild of Beam really put it on the line and they absolutely excelled we can't

01:59:21.460 --> 01:59:24.700
wait to see them finally have this chance they've been waiting for to come

01:59:24.700 --> 01:59:29.140
back and compete on the BlizzCon stage even further. But Ziko, you were kind of

01:59:29.140 --> 01:59:33.940
our eye in the sky for that last game there of the series. What did you think

01:59:33.940 --> 01:59:39.140
going through it all? I mean exactly what Maurer just said. I have no idea how

01:59:39.140 --> 01:59:42.940
they won that. They had no cooldowns. They were completely like I mean look at the

01:59:42.940 --> 01:59:46.300
look at the right hand side of the screen. Lontar has burnt through

01:59:46.300 --> 01:59:51.860
everything. Zipai is dying. BlizzO is dying. He's got no mana left. How do you turn

01:59:51.860 --> 01:59:57.060
that into an actual win here they just get insane amount of pressure they get

01:59:57.060 --> 02:00:01.900
this long CC chain and look how well time that is. Neat Mox Trinket is just

02:00:01.900 --> 02:00:07.180
one second it rotates back up through in the middle of it and they have pressure

02:00:07.180 --> 02:00:12.300
on Sol. His burrow comes back up right in the nick of time right before he's

02:00:12.300 --> 02:00:16.780
going to go down but Dallas also is taking some serious collateral damage

02:00:16.780 --> 02:00:21.500
and that is the power of hook point as well you know it's been it's been the

02:00:21.500 --> 02:00:25.400
team of the weekend honestly. We've seen in Warcraft forever. Some people go into the

02:00:25.400 --> 02:00:30.080
drowned city. They're trying to attempt the shark and we can see the shark here as well

02:00:30.080 --> 02:00:35.840
doing some work for Yield Bean. And yeah, they're able to just power through with just

02:00:35.840 --> 02:00:41.460
sheer pressure and Dallas is going to be the one who falls in the end. And I thought it

02:00:41.460 --> 02:00:46.800
was very interesting what Mauro said as well about being on the bench because it is a cold

02:00:46.800 --> 02:00:54.480
decision to tag Zpie in, lose on Ruin's order with Zpie, and then you decide, you know what,

02:00:54.480 --> 02:00:59.760
we're going to run that back in game number five, single and limb, everything on the line,

02:00:59.760 --> 02:01:05.600
let's do it. And they managed to do it in the closest game possible and turn it around and win

02:01:05.600 --> 02:01:10.160
the series. Yeah, I mean, when you see it go to that map five, and especially when the competition

02:01:10.160 --> 02:01:14.800
is this fierce, you can just feel your heart racing with every single second because really

02:01:14.800 --> 02:01:20.320
it could go either direction, but we can see where this landed us here on our bracket. So F tier

02:01:20.320 --> 02:01:26.000
and Guildbeam in this incredible five series, I could just unbelievable Guildbeam emerging as

02:01:26.000 --> 02:01:30.960
our winner. They will go to face Echo, but we can look over the rest here. I mean, then our next

02:01:30.960 --> 02:01:35.360
up series we've got Streamer Zone GG, one new travel. This is going to be an interesting one as well.

02:01:35.840 --> 02:01:39.360
I mean, it definitely will. We saw in the upper bracket where we have Echo going up against

02:01:39.360 --> 02:01:44.160
Guildbeam. Those are kind of the veterans of Europe for Streamer Zone. It is some newcomers as well.

02:01:44.160 --> 02:01:50.640
So we've got some very interesting players like P make on the mage. For example, he is the young the young Finnish player

02:01:51.240 --> 02:01:55.240
Incredible on that mage. So this roster primarily focusing on that rogue mage

02:01:55.240 --> 02:01:58.680
But a really really strong roster and then for one-leand travel once again

02:01:58.680 --> 02:02:04.480
This is a team that a lot of these rosters haven't had an opportunity to practice against so they're kind of a wild card

02:02:04.480 --> 02:02:07.560
I could see them doing incredibly well, but we'll have to wait and see what happens

02:02:07.560 --> 02:02:12.200
I mean, we are and honestly with the stakes set so high after our first series

02:02:12.200 --> 02:02:15.640
I think we are all ready to just see what the rest of the day has to bring.

02:02:15.640 --> 02:02:18.800
Unfortunately though, we will have to take a short break.

02:02:18.800 --> 02:02:20.720
So sit tight, don't go anywhere, and

02:02:20.720 --> 02:02:23.560
we'll be back with even more Arena World Championship action.

02:02:23.560 --> 02:02:42.480
Let's come as brought to you by Fanta, lip smacking deliciousness.

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countless adventures untold from the time when it all began through the hidden

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paths in ancient forests above and beyond familiar peace your journey awaits

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let the drums of the war thunder forever

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Let's go.

02:06:54.400 --> 02:07:17.140
Let's come as brought to you by MSI.

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Welcome back to the Arena World Championship.

02:07:41.400 --> 02:07:43.240
We've got a little bit of a swap out on the desk,

02:07:43.240 --> 02:07:45.960
but I mean, Chan, the excitement from the first series

02:07:45.960 --> 02:07:46.840
was unreal.

02:07:46.840 --> 02:07:49.080
Did you get to catch any of it offstage?

02:07:49.080 --> 02:07:49.840
Yeah, absolutely.

02:07:49.840 --> 02:07:52.040
I mean, that's one of the best series to start off

02:07:52.040 --> 02:07:54.040
that we could possibly ask for, isn't it?

02:07:54.040 --> 02:07:57.040
It is, honestly. I mean, a nail-biter from beginning to end,

02:07:57.040 --> 02:08:00.040
but of course, we have a pretty interesting next matchup as well

02:08:00.040 --> 02:08:02.040
with Streamers on GG and One Moon Travel.

02:08:02.040 --> 02:08:04.040
Do you have any expectations?

02:08:05.040 --> 02:08:08.040
I'm curious to see how China's going to do at this tournament.

02:08:08.040 --> 02:08:11.040
It's been a very long time since we've seen them compete at this con.

02:08:11.040 --> 02:08:13.040
You know, AWC has finally returned there,

02:08:13.040 --> 02:08:16.040
and now we finally get to see them play here.

02:08:16.040 --> 02:08:18.040
I've had to talk with some of the players,

02:08:18.040 --> 02:08:20.040
and apparently they're going to do a lot of damage,

02:08:20.040 --> 02:08:24.760
streamers only took out I mean a lot of damage is definitely something that you

02:08:24.760 --> 02:08:28.120
want when you're just trying to kill anyone you can on the enemy team so I

02:08:28.120 --> 02:08:31.320
think that'll work in their advantage for sure but we're gonna talk a little

02:08:31.320 --> 02:08:35.120
bit about streamers on GG to start in more detail and then maybe you have some

02:08:35.120 --> 02:08:39.320
more insight you can give us about this fresh team here in the AWC yeah they're

02:08:39.320 --> 02:08:43.600
a very interesting roster primarily focusing on that rope mage so you have

02:08:43.600 --> 02:08:47.720
the condo of P make and root hit through Hitty who are big veins in Europe I

02:08:47.720 --> 02:08:49.640
I mean, they haven't competed at BlizzCon before,

02:08:49.640 --> 02:08:52.640
but these guys have many accolades under their belt

02:08:52.640 --> 02:08:55.720
in the AWC as well as in an online environment.

02:08:55.720 --> 02:08:56.920
And then of course, you have Next,

02:08:56.920 --> 02:08:59.240
who's also a phenomenal healer.

02:08:59.240 --> 02:09:00.840
You know, we don't know too much about him,

02:09:00.840 --> 02:09:02.200
but in the European region,

02:09:02.200 --> 02:09:04.720
he is extremely well known and in the AWC.

02:09:04.720 --> 02:09:05.960
And then of course, Jamie,

02:09:05.960 --> 02:09:09.080
he is a veteran of this competition.

02:09:09.080 --> 02:09:10.000
He's had many times.

02:09:10.000 --> 02:09:11.760
So you have some of these younger players

02:09:11.760 --> 02:09:13.080
like Ruhiti, Pimaek, and Next,

02:09:13.080 --> 02:09:14.280
and then a veteran like Jamie,

02:09:14.280 --> 02:09:18.320
you can kind of well round the roster, dial them in,

02:09:18.320 --> 02:09:19.560
help them pick those compositions,

02:09:19.560 --> 02:09:21.200
but I do expect we're going to be saying

02:09:21.200 --> 02:09:23.440
a lot of growth from these guys.

02:09:23.440 --> 02:09:26.080
I mean, hey, if it works, why not use it?

02:09:26.080 --> 02:09:28.520
I mean, big, big achievement for them

02:09:28.520 --> 02:09:29.720
to be able to bring that to the table.

02:09:29.720 --> 02:09:30.800
And I think it's really interesting here

02:09:30.800 --> 02:09:32.520
because this is an individually strong group,

02:09:32.520 --> 02:09:34.640
but I think BlizzCon for Streamer Zone GG

02:09:34.640 --> 02:09:36.160
is really going to be the first test

02:09:36.160 --> 02:09:39.320
of what this kind of new team or this formation of team

02:09:39.320 --> 02:09:41.680
under Stream Zone GG can really do.

02:09:41.680 --> 02:09:43.120
Ziko, do you have any expectations

02:09:43.120 --> 02:09:45.760
of what you think they're gonna kind of become?

02:09:45.760 --> 02:09:49.600
Well, I think Streamerzone GG has been a big rival

02:09:49.600 --> 02:09:51.040
to Echo in Europe.

02:09:51.040 --> 02:09:52.880
They've managed to take maps of them

02:09:52.880 --> 02:09:55.840
and even win cups against them in the Rogue Mage mirror.

02:09:55.840 --> 02:09:58.480
So they are a very strong Rogue Mage roster,

02:09:58.480 --> 02:10:02.520
but at the same time, there is a live audience here.

02:10:02.520 --> 02:10:04.280
There is a single-limb tournament.

02:10:04.280 --> 02:10:06.880
There is a lot of nerves on the line.

02:10:06.880 --> 02:10:08.880
Jamie did compete in the Guild Clash

02:10:08.880 --> 02:10:10.600
and he has competed in BlizzCon in the past

02:10:10.600 --> 02:10:12.560
and he actually won the Guild Clash event.

02:10:12.560 --> 02:10:14.840
So Jamie has a lot of experience, like Ben mentioned,

02:10:14.840 --> 02:10:18.240
but at the same time, you've got three newcomers

02:10:18.240 --> 02:10:20.520
who have not played at the BlizzCon stage before.

02:10:20.520 --> 02:10:23.320
So we'll see how they can perform.

02:10:23.320 --> 02:10:24.480
Yeah, here live at BlizzCon,

02:10:24.480 --> 02:10:25.760
I think we're really going to be seeing

02:10:25.760 --> 02:10:27.920
how this team is going to come together

02:10:27.920 --> 02:10:30.120
and what kind of name they're going to make for themselves.

02:10:30.120 --> 02:10:31.280
But there's also another team out

02:10:31.280 --> 02:10:32.360
to make a name for themselves here.

02:10:32.360 --> 02:10:34.680
And Chan, I know you were able to speak to them earlier.

02:10:34.680 --> 02:10:37.120
Can you give us some insights into one-loon travel?

02:10:37.120 --> 02:10:37.960
Yeah, absolutely.

02:10:37.960 --> 02:10:39.520
Unfortunately, two of their players

02:10:39.520 --> 02:10:40.720
weren't able to make it to BlizzCon.

02:10:40.720 --> 02:10:44.020
And because of that, they're a three player roster,

02:10:44.020 --> 02:10:47.000
and they also have to bring in a substitute Rogue Alastor,

02:10:47.000 --> 02:10:50.200
who actually has competed here at this point in the past.

02:10:50.200 --> 02:10:52.480
I remember him, super good Rogue.

02:10:52.480 --> 02:10:56.320
He's gonna be joined by Ling Ling Chu on the five mage,

02:10:56.320 --> 02:10:58.220
as well as the killer W.

02:10:58.220 --> 02:11:00.880
Now, something interesting about the mage on this team

02:11:00.880 --> 02:11:04.100
is that it actually translates to 007 in English.

02:11:04.100 --> 02:11:06.800
And so he's happy to go by that as well.

02:11:06.800 --> 02:11:10.000
But these guys, man, I've been hearing from the war games,

02:11:10.000 --> 02:11:14.040
these guys are absolute pumpers and of course I'm expecting them to play very aggressively.

02:11:14.040 --> 02:11:17.840
I'm going to I'm excited to see what they're going to show us today. Me too. I mean it's

02:11:17.840 --> 02:11:22.640
great when we can have all the different regions here together and of course that travel is

02:11:22.640 --> 02:11:26.320
tough for everyone and trying to coordinate it. So even having the team they're able

02:11:26.320 --> 02:11:30.520
to bring here today I think we're going to see some strong competition and these players

02:11:30.520 --> 02:11:34.360
honestly have a long history from what I understand. I think many of them have been playing together

02:11:34.360 --> 02:11:38.520
for more than 10 years with the players describing themselves as good friends who have developed

02:11:38.520 --> 02:11:42.760
the strong coordination, then do you think that having that history together is an asset

02:11:42.760 --> 02:11:44.080
for you when you come into play?

02:11:44.080 --> 02:11:48.480
Oh, absolutely. I have that familiarity. You know exactly what your teammates want to

02:11:48.480 --> 02:11:52.360
do, and especially when you're playing composition like Rogue Mage, you know when you need to

02:11:52.360 --> 02:11:55.880
switch from playing offense to defense. So it'll be interesting to see what they can

02:11:55.880 --> 02:11:59.160
do. But I think this team, they kind of want to prove what they can do in their region.

02:11:59.160 --> 02:12:02.640
You know, a lot of the competitors, I don't want to say they're counting them out, but

02:12:02.640 --> 02:12:06.360
I feel like they're feeling like they're maybe one of the least experienced teams here in

02:12:06.360 --> 02:12:21.360
these kind of rogue mage matchups, but that can work to your advantage. If you have a really interesting play style or any really interesting strategy, you can pull off these surprise wins and in a competition like this where there's no lower bracket, you start picking up some wins and they can't figure it out. That can put you in a really good position.

02:12:21.360 --> 02:12:34.360
I mean, we even saw it with F tier, right? This unique kind of composition coming in and then a lot of their teams going, we don't totally know how to answer this. So if you can bring that surprise element, I think it can give you a really strong advantage, like you're pointing out.

02:12:34.360 --> 02:12:45.360
And especially when the regions don't get to play together every day, that's something where even those differences and maybe how EU has been handling things or NA or CN that can then kind of be an advantage for you as well.

02:12:45.360 --> 02:12:51.800
But Ziko, these two teams coming together, it's sort of a chance for us to see some new faces, see some new configurations.

02:12:51.800 --> 02:12:55.360
And what do you think about having kind of new blood coming into the scene to shake things up?

02:12:55.360 --> 02:13:00.880
I think it's great. I mean, it's been a lot of, you know, veterans playing well for a long time.

02:13:00.880 --> 02:13:06.360
So it's really nice to see a lot of these newer teams able to compete, able to go the distance.

02:13:06.360 --> 02:13:10.360
You just saw it now with Gil being the old, you know, the old man.

02:13:10.360 --> 02:13:13.000
and we're not able to come out on top.

02:13:13.000 --> 02:13:19.240
But it was really close and FT here honestly did such a phenomenal job again in that series.

02:13:19.240 --> 02:13:22.520
So again, it could happen here as well with Streamer Zone GG.

02:13:22.520 --> 02:13:27.960
A lot of these teams are formed like that where you kind of have one very experienced,

02:13:27.960 --> 02:13:33.400
you know, more seasoned player and then you have a couple of new guns,

02:13:33.400 --> 02:13:37.160
you know, coming up through the solar shuffle system, coming up through, you know,

02:13:37.160 --> 02:13:52.340
ladder play and joining these teams and that streams on GG has worked very well for them so far. They are a really, really strong roster from Europe. So I'm excited to see how China is going to be able to do against, you know, a really nice team here.

02:13:52.760 --> 02:14:02.760
Me too. And you know what? We can hear from the teams directly themselves. We have a video prepared for you where they got to share a little bit about their passion, excitement and competition for the A WC.

02:14:02.760 --> 02:14:10.360
What a devastating finish. That was an insane finish here coming out.

02:14:10.360 --> 02:14:12.860
Beautiful setup. Just dying to damage here.

02:14:12.860 --> 02:14:16.360
Throughout the year, we had a lot of ups and downs as a team.

02:14:16.360 --> 02:14:20.460
Specifically, P-Make or Mage is sort of brand new to competitive and stuff.

02:14:20.460 --> 02:14:24.760
So for him, he had a big learning curve to step up, which he did really, really well.

02:14:24.760 --> 02:14:27.260
We managed to win a few of the tournaments and stuff,

02:14:27.260 --> 02:14:30.260
and we segmented it as one of the better teams, I would say.

02:14:30.260 --> 02:14:35.860
We have made some adjustments to the game, and we are now quite familiar with the game.

02:14:35.860 --> 02:14:40.260
Our strategy is that the combination of the two teams is not so different.

02:14:40.260 --> 02:14:44.660
But our advantage is that we are now a relatively long-term version of the game.

02:15:00.260 --> 02:15:02.260
So I feel pretty confident going into it.

02:15:02.260 --> 02:15:05.260
Different players have different ways of thinking.

02:15:05.260 --> 02:15:07.260
They have different understanding of the game.

02:15:07.260 --> 02:15:10.260
They want to be in touch with each other.

02:15:16.260 --> 02:15:19.260
The only thing I would say to one on travel is good luck and just have fun on the stage.

02:15:19.260 --> 02:15:21.260
Just enjoy the game.

02:15:21.260 --> 02:15:23.260
This is a great experience.

02:15:23.260 --> 02:15:25.260
So be careful. You will have trouble.

02:15:30.260 --> 02:15:35.260
I love the energy for one one

02:15:35.260 --> 02:15:36.260
moon travel. You have that moment

02:15:36.260 --> 02:15:38.260
of, yeah, we really love this

02:15:38.260 --> 02:15:39.260
idea of being able to change

02:15:39.260 --> 02:15:40.260
ideas and we're out to have an

02:15:40.260 --> 02:15:41.260
amazing time at BlizzCon and

02:15:41.260 --> 02:15:42.260
then that final touch like you

02:15:42.260 --> 02:15:43.260
better watch out.

02:15:43.260 --> 02:15:44.260
But honestly, these two teams,

02:15:44.260 --> 02:15:46.260
I'm very interested in seeing

02:15:46.260 --> 02:15:47.260
what they are going to bring

02:15:47.260 --> 02:15:48.260
because again kind of crossing

02:15:48.260 --> 02:15:50.260
those regions coming in and

02:15:50.260 --> 02:15:51.260
especially streamers on GG, like

02:15:51.260 --> 02:15:53.260
we mentioned this new roster

02:15:53.260 --> 02:15:55.260
under a familiar name. But of

02:15:55.260 --> 02:15:56.260
course, Brunhidi and Jamie, we

02:15:56.260 --> 02:15:57.260
got to see Brunhidi in the

02:15:57.260 --> 02:15:59.260
video as well. Our experience

02:15:59.260 --> 02:16:06.100
Our experienced players that we've seen before Ziko. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I don't really know what to expect

02:16:06.460 --> 02:16:10.580
compositionally here because one new travel they qualified with the rogue mage paladin

02:16:10.900 --> 02:16:14.940
So I'm interested to see if the healing meta is because that was not a comp

02:16:14.940 --> 02:16:19.940
But you're like in Europe in North America. That was not a comp that anybody really played with the paladin

02:16:19.940 --> 02:16:24.420
It was mostly about the Druids was mostly about the prezzy voker, you know different kind of healers

02:16:24.420 --> 02:16:30.300
So it's going to be interesting to see if they decide to still go with that or if they if their healer is more of a multi-classing

02:16:30.820 --> 02:16:32.060
player and

02:16:32.060 --> 02:16:34.140
You know on streamers on GG

02:16:34.140 --> 02:16:40.660
I feel like we're gonna see the rope mage druid probably and they're just gonna go all out in mirrors here

02:16:40.660 --> 02:16:45.020
And if you are on one room travel, I think that's something that you're very comfortable with

02:16:45.340 --> 02:16:50.220
You get you get to play your style you get to play your composition and you get to play a matchup that you actually

02:16:50.220 --> 02:16:54.360
actually have a lot of experience against, so I think that could be some positive signs

02:16:54.360 --> 02:16:55.360
here for China.

02:16:55.360 --> 02:16:56.360
Absolutely.

02:16:56.360 --> 02:16:59.140
I mean, again, you never know what kind of curveballs are going to come our way, and these

02:16:59.140 --> 02:17:03.220
teams, when we haven't seen as much of them or seen them come into direct contact with

02:17:03.220 --> 02:17:07.100
one another, it's so fascinating to see how it actually shakes out.

02:17:07.100 --> 02:17:10.500
And now thinking about one loon then, I mean, they said that they really were just excited

02:17:10.500 --> 02:17:12.940
to get to come here, right?

02:17:12.940 --> 02:17:16.540
That getting that experience, to give everything that they have and leave with no regrets was

02:17:16.540 --> 02:17:18.540
something that they really wanted to do.

02:17:18.540 --> 02:17:22.540
But how do you think that you leave with no regrets on a BlizzCon stage?

02:17:22.540 --> 02:17:23.540
I mean, you got to win, right?

02:17:23.540 --> 02:17:27.540
You just got to try, you know, try your best, make sure you practice all that good stuff.

02:17:27.540 --> 02:17:30.540
But if you win, you're definitely going to have no regrets in this situation.

02:17:30.540 --> 02:17:34.540
But we'll have to see what they end up running here in this game number one.

02:17:34.540 --> 02:17:39.540
One thing that I have heard and I do expect from these teams is some rogue mage mirrors.

02:17:39.540 --> 02:17:42.540
We might have some different healers, but these games are very fast.

02:17:42.540 --> 02:17:44.540
You do not want to blink.

02:17:44.540 --> 02:17:45.540
You might miss the games.

02:17:45.540 --> 02:17:51.540
I've heard that these can be incredibly explosive, especially with the nature of how fire mage plays right now

02:17:51.540 --> 02:17:54.420
The combustion is an absolutely insane cool down

02:17:54.420 --> 02:17:58.400
So this is going to be my prediction is this is going to be a very fast series

02:17:58.400 --> 02:18:03.140
Oh, do you agree, Cheney? I think it's gonna be a really quick one. Oh, it's gonna be an extremely chaotic game

02:18:03.140 --> 02:18:08.580
Of course, like I said, I think they're gonna play very aggressively, but I also think that streamers own that GG

02:18:08.580 --> 02:18:11.860
I think they are, you know, they're definitely one of the best road majors at this event

02:18:11.860 --> 02:18:15.780
and they made Echo, the final boss, sweat in those mirrors big time.

02:18:16.280 --> 02:18:20.280
I don't know how, you know, if one long travel is going to be able to withstand it onslaught,

02:18:20.520 --> 02:18:25.020
but streamers don't, they're a fantastic team, and for me, they're a real contender to win this event.

02:18:25.220 --> 02:18:29.320
Interesting. From what you saw of streamers on GG in Season 1,

02:18:29.480 --> 02:18:32.120
what do you think they would need to do to get to that point to overtake Echo,

02:18:32.120 --> 02:18:35.620
or did you think they already were looking like they had the potential for it?

02:18:36.060 --> 02:18:40.020
I mean, I think that Echo, when they're on their game day, they're the best team in the world.

02:18:40.020 --> 02:18:53.020
But we're at BlizzCon, it's single elimination, the pressure is on, the crowd is here, anything can happen, any mistake, set them behind, and I think streamingzone.gg, they can punish that, I can really see them going very, very far into this one.

02:18:53.020 --> 02:19:09.020
Alright, well I mean that's stiff competition for one-lin travel, but as we've said, we don't exactly know what one-lin travel will bring to showcase here, and especially too, if they've been taking stock of the competition, if they've been studying, if they've been practicing, there's a lot they may already have in mind to try to combat.

02:19:09.020 --> 02:19:13.020
that. Yep. So from one on travel, I think, you know, they mentioned it themselves. Their

02:19:13.020 --> 02:19:17.620
comps aren't very diverse. They'll be sticking with the assassination rogue, the fire mage,

02:19:17.620 --> 02:19:23.340
and then W can flex between the Holy Paladin or the priest healer. But I'm not sure how

02:19:23.340 --> 02:19:27.060
that's going to do. Like we said earlier, I think restoration drew into healer meta as

02:19:27.060 --> 02:19:31.300
well as the Pesovoka is much stronger. The Holy Paladin, you know, can dispel those

02:19:31.300 --> 02:19:36.180
poisons against the assassination rogue, does have the bot for the death mark, but ultimately

02:19:36.180 --> 02:19:38.620
Druid CC, next getting it in involved.

02:19:38.620 --> 02:19:40.220
That's going to be really tough for them to handle

02:19:40.220 --> 02:19:41.780
and for them to shut down as well.

02:19:41.780 --> 02:19:42.700
Interesting, interesting.

02:19:42.700 --> 02:19:43.860
I mean, it brings up an interesting point

02:19:43.860 --> 02:19:45.220
with these discussions, right,

02:19:45.220 --> 02:19:48.220
about your sort of quick, intense offensives

02:19:48.220 --> 02:19:50.460
or your kind of longer, more sustained,

02:19:50.460 --> 02:19:52.540
kind of dampening sort of strategies.

02:19:52.540 --> 02:19:54.980
I mean, then, what do you think the advantage is

02:19:54.980 --> 02:19:58.380
of having a really aggressive style coming into AWC?

02:19:58.380 --> 02:20:00.340
Well, you put your opponents on the back foot, right?

02:20:00.340 --> 02:20:02.100
You don't want to be in a situation

02:20:02.100 --> 02:20:04.020
where the enemy team is just,

02:20:04.020 --> 02:20:04.980
they're doing all the setups,

02:20:04.980 --> 02:20:05.980
they're putting out all the pressure.

02:20:05.980 --> 02:20:10.300
You can't get anything going because not only does it give them confidence to continue to make that push

02:20:10.420 --> 02:20:13.460
But you really just can't actually find a win condition yourself

02:20:13.460 --> 02:20:16.180
So I think in this series in this matchup in particular

02:20:16.780 --> 02:20:23.300
Aggression is going to be key finding those really crucial setups and I actually you know surprisingly want to think about it

02:20:23.300 --> 02:20:25.660
I know Paladin isn't super popular right now

02:20:25.660 --> 02:20:32.060
But if they do decide to leave with that Paladin you do have those cooldowns like the blessing of protection the blessing of sacrifice that I

02:20:32.100 --> 02:20:35.660
Think can be very powerful into what most rows are playing right now

02:20:35.660 --> 02:20:37.060
which is that assassination road.

02:20:37.060 --> 02:20:39.500
So, you know, just thinking about the matchup,

02:20:39.500 --> 02:20:41.660
it seems like they do have a shot here.

02:20:41.660 --> 02:20:43.660
I mean, it could be a great way for them to kind of,

02:20:43.660 --> 02:20:45.660
like you said, just immediately come in

02:20:45.660 --> 02:20:47.560
and put your opposition on the backflip.

02:20:47.560 --> 02:20:49.800
So hopefully they are able to do just that.

02:20:49.800 --> 02:20:51.260
And I mean, when we have players coming in

02:20:51.260 --> 02:20:52.860
from all around the world,

02:20:52.860 --> 02:20:54.960
because we know World of Warcraft is a game

02:20:54.960 --> 02:20:56.300
that has touched people's lives,

02:20:56.300 --> 02:20:58.700
honestly, just about in every corner of the globe.

02:20:58.700 --> 02:21:01.460
I mean, Ziko, how special is it for players

02:21:01.460 --> 02:21:03.560
to be able to come together to face off

02:21:03.560 --> 02:21:06.520
and to be here in one place together.

02:21:06.520 --> 02:21:07.820
I mean, this is everything.

02:21:07.820 --> 02:21:09.660
For a world of work up here,

02:21:09.660 --> 02:21:11.800
this is what the game is all about.

02:21:11.800 --> 02:21:14.260
This is what you work towards the entire year.

02:21:14.260 --> 02:21:17.040
These guys, you know, they start together,

02:21:17.040 --> 02:21:19.740
you know, playing together, becoming friends,

02:21:19.740 --> 02:21:22.280
and then they go on this long journey.

02:21:22.280 --> 02:21:25.380
They have to qualify through the normal cups.

02:21:25.380 --> 02:21:26.780
They have to gather points,

02:21:26.780 --> 02:21:27.880
they have to play through the finals,

02:21:27.880 --> 02:21:29.340
they have to secure their seats,

02:21:29.340 --> 02:21:31.580
and they have to eventually get their BlizzCon tickets

02:21:31.580 --> 02:21:32.620
and show up here.

02:21:32.620 --> 02:21:35.660
and it just means so much to every single player I've talked to.

02:21:35.660 --> 02:21:37.740
They all love it here at BlizzCon.

02:21:37.740 --> 02:21:41.820
They all just want to be able to take home that trophy

02:21:41.820 --> 02:21:43.180
and become the champions.

02:21:43.180 --> 02:21:46.540
So it's just beautiful to see everybody coming together

02:21:46.540 --> 02:21:50.380
and putting a face to a name as well.

02:21:50.380 --> 02:21:53.100
And even for me, just as a caster,

02:21:53.100 --> 02:21:57.420
has been super amazing to see the players and, you know,

02:21:57.420 --> 02:21:59.900
oh, hi, I'm this guy, well, I'm that guy.

02:21:59.900 --> 02:22:02.540
And you know, there's somebody that you've been talking to

02:22:02.540 --> 02:22:06.860
online, but you don't they don't stream so you don't know how they look. So it's

02:22:06.860 --> 02:22:10.220
been a really awesome experience meeting the fans, seeing the crowd, seeing

02:22:10.220 --> 02:22:14.060
everybody come in here to watch some wild PvP, which we all love.

02:22:14.060 --> 02:22:17.740
I mean it brings it to life, right? You finally get to see the people behind

02:22:17.740 --> 02:22:21.500
the screens, behind the characters you've seen in game, and to know that,

02:22:21.500 --> 02:22:25.580
hey, this is who they are and we can all be together in this one space.

02:22:25.580 --> 02:22:28.460
I mean it's fun, even just seeing their personalities, even just hearing from

02:22:28.460 --> 02:22:31.660
some of the players directly. I mean Chan, has that been something you were a

02:22:31.660 --> 02:22:35.740
player yourself but was that something for you when you were competing that felt

02:22:35.740 --> 02:22:38.940
really special to be able to meet those people and see them face-to-face?

02:22:38.940 --> 02:22:42.660
Yeah absolutely I mean the best reading in the world is when you see your mates

02:22:42.660 --> 02:22:45.860
that you've played with over these months over these years and you finally get to sit

02:22:45.860 --> 02:22:49.780
beside them in person, compete with them at the biggest stage in World of Warcraft

02:22:49.780 --> 02:22:53.500
Arena. I mean yeah that's where you want to lay it on the line and these teams

02:22:53.500 --> 02:22:56.900
are going to do exactly that we're gonna be heading into our first game very

02:22:56.900 --> 02:23:02.260
very soon with streamers on GG and one moon travel. If the series is anything like the

02:23:02.260 --> 02:23:09.300
last we are in for a treat Zika. Yeah, wow. We want to see W tagged in on the Holy Fountain,

02:23:09.300 --> 02:23:15.100
our very first one, and we are seeing the, okay, already a safty on W, combustion being

02:23:15.100 --> 02:23:19.420
popped here for PMAG, a lot of pressure coming out immediately. Next, actually, Judy, you

02:23:19.420 --> 02:23:24.100
sit the blind, now caught up in a cold arch here, you make the views of trouble. Knights

02:23:24.100 --> 02:23:26.100
to trade off Greater Invisioner in a second.

02:23:26.100 --> 02:23:29.100
Get the nice little lead set up here onto Iles star as well.

02:23:29.100 --> 02:23:31.100
And just trying to create a lot of spread pressure.

02:23:31.100 --> 02:23:36.100
Here comes Runehili as well though with the Kingsman doing a lot of damage here onto Ling Ling Ki.

02:23:36.100 --> 02:23:40.100
And getting stopped there by the Dragon's breath for a moment so far.

02:23:40.100 --> 02:23:44.100
Both teams kind of dealing with that opener pretty beautifully.

02:23:44.100 --> 02:23:48.100
Both majors flipping through the early combustion trying to rotate that cooldown back.

02:23:48.100 --> 02:23:51.100
And no major defensive really being used here on either side yet.

02:23:51.100 --> 02:23:55.620
Yeah, absolutely. Alasdor having to use his death mark in the open. Not really getting too much with it.

02:23:55.620 --> 02:23:59.760
Kiddishot lands on him. Smoke bomb as well. Hasn't figured out his trinket. Nice shoot from onto W.

02:23:59.760 --> 02:24:03.560
Can they get more Flokker's Shadows? Get figured out by Alasdor. I think he is going to be okay with this now.

02:24:03.560 --> 02:24:09.520
W gets put into the Garrick now. Trinket's finally on the blind. Brindhidi, it looks like, is able to top Alasdor up now.

02:24:09.520 --> 02:24:11.920
But Brindhidi, that was his death mark committed from him.

02:24:11.920 --> 02:24:17.400
Yeah, but he was able to actually get Alasdor's trinket there, so that could be a big, big opening on the next combustion,

02:24:17.400 --> 02:24:21.240
which Pimek has right now. So let's see if they try to set that up or if they try to

02:24:21.240 --> 02:24:23.280
decide to go for a bit of a major race here.

02:24:23.280 --> 02:24:28.920
Ruhiti is going after the leading key right now, doing a lot of damage to the key with the combustion.

02:24:28.920 --> 02:24:32.680
Doing a decent pressure there, but not in any conflict.

02:24:32.680 --> 02:24:37.640
And here we go, here comes the set up. Pimek with the combustion. Big hands coming out here onto

02:24:37.640 --> 02:24:43.480
Alistar, but they own hands, gets traded with the bubble from W. So a major, major defensive

02:24:43.480 --> 02:24:47.960
and these Rogue's folks are absolutely lead though, Ruhidi though has to trade on his trinket

02:24:47.960 --> 02:24:51.720
and now he's gonna find himself in a very nice situation both mages also falling behind the

02:24:51.720 --> 02:24:55.720
only part of this is struggling to keep the mages alive in this position what are they going

02:24:55.720 --> 02:25:00.840
to be able to do here W finally recovers his mages here around the pillar but these are not

02:25:00.840 --> 02:25:06.040
looking too good here for one lint travel. Yeah W had to put his double there as well in order to save

02:25:06.040 --> 02:25:09.400
both his teammates from Ruhidi of course having to use his Ruhidi instead of Pichs that I want to

02:25:09.400 --> 02:25:14.920
Alistair now full quality W. Welcome to PD Shot ends. Evasion comes out from Alistair. Looks like he's gonna be okay.

02:25:14.920 --> 02:25:18.840
No combustion for a while now for P-Made, but next time that comes through he's gonna be big trouble.

02:25:18.840 --> 02:25:23.000
From PD to the PD Shot, but next not in any CC. Very hard to W to get on top of next.

02:25:23.000 --> 02:25:25.400
He's on top of Alistair, just excellent decision from him.

02:25:25.400 --> 02:25:30.840
Kiting away in the tree form right now, that does end, but the combustion is available for P-Made in 5 seconds E.

02:25:30.840 --> 02:25:37.320
Yeah, and that is going to be absolutely scary. And now we can see one Lune travel ripping up combustion themselves,

02:25:37.320 --> 02:25:39.960
trying to get something going here on the remake eventually.

02:25:39.960 --> 02:25:40.760
There it goes.

02:25:40.760 --> 02:25:42.200
Another damage, but here comes Combustion.

02:25:42.200 --> 02:25:43.880
Alotar gets bumped immediately.

02:25:43.880 --> 02:25:45.800
remake though, Mike is flopped here.

02:25:45.800 --> 02:25:47.800
Higgs on the temple here from Alistar.

02:25:47.800 --> 02:25:48.760
They're trying to take number here.

02:25:48.760 --> 02:25:50.040
He's got no trinket.

02:25:50.040 --> 02:25:51.400
It's caught on the table.

02:25:51.400 --> 02:25:52.840
And no cloak as well.

02:25:52.840 --> 02:25:55.880
China might be able to do such an explosive game here

02:25:55.880 --> 02:25:57.880
in game number one between these two teams.

02:25:57.880 --> 02:26:00.520
The first time EU and China clash here

02:26:00.520 --> 02:26:02.120
in the last seven years,

02:26:02.120 --> 02:26:04.280
remake though needs to be very careful.

02:26:04.280 --> 02:26:06.360
Needs to be very cautious.

02:26:06.360 --> 02:26:09.200
You don't have to use that ice block to go down in this position.

02:26:09.200 --> 02:26:11.120
Lingling key gets kicked, going for the polymorph.

02:26:11.120 --> 02:26:13.560
He gets a full poly on the next Alistar.

02:26:13.560 --> 02:26:15.000
He needs to be careful as well though.

02:26:15.000 --> 02:26:19.360
He gets caught up in a kidney shot and W finally coming out of that sheep

02:26:19.360 --> 02:26:22.360
should be able to restore his teeth, help back the cold.

02:26:22.360 --> 02:26:23.560
Yeah, but there is a window now.

02:26:23.560 --> 02:26:26.360
From here to the kidney shot, can they commit to your combustion is available.

02:26:26.360 --> 02:26:28.600
Using that kidney shot before the combustion is available.

02:26:28.600 --> 02:26:29.440
Not a big fan of that.

02:26:29.440 --> 02:26:31.800
Next had no trigger, so there was a kill window for 1-1 travel.

02:26:31.800 --> 02:26:33.400
But now, strings are pushing in.

02:26:33.400 --> 02:26:34.280
Who may want to W?

02:26:34.280 --> 02:26:35.400
Can they get any follow-up CCs?

02:26:35.400 --> 02:26:39.000
They're looking for Alastor. That's not the trick. It just gives these players a shot. It's nice and early

02:26:39.000 --> 02:26:43.600
But he make now he has his combustion ready and they really have a massive opportunity now to take advantage of that

02:26:43.800 --> 02:26:48.920
Yeah, let's see it. He make what are you gonna do here Alastor though taking huge damage in the kidney shot

02:26:48.920 --> 02:26:54.840
Don't be you get skip roadside us. He might just die in a roadside. It's huge damage coming out here from streams on Alastor though

02:26:54.880 --> 02:26:57.920
Nice defensive place here. Nothing back to the pillar

02:26:57.920 --> 02:26:59.600
But it might not be enough he gets kidney shot

02:26:59.600 --> 02:27:04.680
But it's not gonna be enough and that is going to be game number one going for streamers zone

02:27:04.680 --> 02:27:11.000
Nice defensive maneuvers from Alistar, but it's not enough that get road silences there onto the holy power

02:27:11.000 --> 02:27:15.360
Then really putting him behind there towards the end. Well, I would definitely say Chan

02:27:15.360 --> 02:27:17.600
You were right. That was a pretty quick one here right at the start

02:27:17.600 --> 02:27:23.480
I mean streamers on GG taking at that first game of the series. What do you think really tipped it in their favor?

02:27:23.480 --> 02:27:27.780
Oh, I mean at the end there Alistar using the flick of shadows P make

02:27:28.240 --> 02:27:31.040
Had the you know the foresight hold the combustion

02:27:31.040 --> 02:27:35.320
Just wait a few seconds right after that. They get a nice setup going and it ends up going down

02:27:35.320 --> 02:27:40.040
But I mean I'll be honest. This was a little bit sketchy it for streamers own WG

02:27:40.040 --> 02:27:42.280
There was a time when bring he didn't have to drink it in the cloak

02:27:42.440 --> 02:27:46.800
You know next step to trade out his drink it iron box to save him the next time you're getting these full downs

02:27:47.000 --> 02:27:51.840
You know, maybe it was this game one but that was looking actually not too bad for one one travel

02:27:51.840 --> 02:27:56.440
And the set of some trimmers and WG it was else where one one traveling and have to use it

02:27:56.440 --> 02:28:05.040
Interesting. I mean, while they're traveling, we were saying they're kind of here to sort of prove themselves and introduce themselves in many ways to the rest of the global audience.

02:28:05.040 --> 02:28:12.040
I mean, Ziko, can't you show that they did have this kind of stronger presence? What did you kind of see from it as they were coming in?

02:28:12.040 --> 02:28:22.440
Yeah, I mean, they did phenomenal here. You can see it here on the scoreboard, even, Aznar and Ling Ling, he actually talked about the damage, but it was just a little bit more precise attacks coming out from the streamer zone.

02:28:22.440 --> 02:28:28.640
But this was a very close game, they were able to force out all two nows and then can tell us exactly what happened.

02:28:28.640 --> 02:28:35.340
Yeah, it just felt like throughout the game, Streamerzone had really clean setups, you could tell they're very practiced in this mirror.

02:28:35.340 --> 02:28:46.640
You could just tell, anytime Next wanted to get aggressive and push in, he was going to go for proc control and that really is one of the main advantages of that restoration Druid is you have that NS Cyclone, you have the Disorient into a Cyclone,

02:28:46.640 --> 02:28:49.960
and you can really help isolate Alistar in these moments.

02:28:49.960 --> 02:28:53.160
And I think that's the thing, that was a difference maker in this game for me.

02:28:53.160 --> 02:28:55.680
It's just the fact that Streamer's on, they had these cleaner setups,

02:28:55.680 --> 02:28:57.960
they were slowly whittling through the cooldowns.

02:28:57.960 --> 02:29:01.920
However, one in travel, especially W, I really liked what they did here,

02:29:01.920 --> 02:29:07.040
where they're using those Paladin utilities early on in the match to try to stay ahead.

02:29:07.040 --> 02:29:09.280
And that's when we saw the damage differential as well,

02:29:09.280 --> 02:29:12.760
is because they're trading out the blessing of sacrifice, the blessing of protection,

02:29:12.760 --> 02:29:15.360
early on on those setups so they don't fall too far behind.

02:29:15.360 --> 02:29:20.640
So I want to continue to see that and just find those openings find that that ability to isolate a target

02:29:20.640 --> 02:29:25.800
Maybe find a hammer of justice on to a next on that restoration druid as you land that kidney shot

02:29:25.800 --> 02:29:28.680
So you can just really isolate and start forcing out those cooldowns

02:29:28.680 --> 02:29:31.400
I think that's one of the things that's so exciting for folks

02:29:31.400 --> 02:29:36.320
Maybe that have never played a lot of PvP or seeing arena for the first time you might not know exactly

02:29:36.960 --> 02:29:40.840
What you're looking at or what's going on although you all do an amazing job bringing it to life

02:29:40.840 --> 02:29:47.340
And I think the thing that is so fascinating and so fun about it is that it's so dynamic and how you are using your kit your utilities

02:29:47.340 --> 02:29:53.220
Your cc's because you're really trying to answer another human being and combat whatever they're bringing at you

02:29:53.220 --> 02:29:56.500
So when your timing that can be really crucial and Ziko I mean with that

02:29:56.700 --> 02:30:01.660
It's something where how do you think these teams kind of strategize and when they're pacing that how they're using it?

02:30:01.660 --> 02:30:05.180
And what do you think can be a big advantage to them when they take those considerations into mind?

02:30:05.180 --> 02:30:10.020
I think that trying to use the death mark as a KO a lot of the time

02:30:10.020 --> 02:30:16.340
Or to bail out those big the long CD defensive pull-downs like the divine shield that is going to be key

02:30:16.340 --> 02:30:20.660
I didn't actually like what streamers on did they send the death mark early with a smoke bomb and

02:30:21.100 --> 02:30:24.880
Just drink it out of that and that's completely fine trade to make instead

02:30:25.100 --> 02:30:28.140
The combustion rotates back up much much quicker

02:30:28.140 --> 02:30:32.620
So I want to see these teams try to capitalize on the combustion hold on being so short

02:30:32.660 --> 02:30:37.760
force out some cool downs with that and then go for a big hit with the death mark and that's what's

02:30:37.760 --> 02:30:42.120
Ultimately going to set them ahead and what Ben said about the here is also very interesting

02:30:42.120 --> 02:30:45.060
You know one team having a holy pile in the other one having the druid CC

02:30:45.060 --> 02:30:48.100
I think that's also something that they should play around as much as possible

02:30:48.400 --> 02:30:52.200
Yeah, how they're going to take that into account and that's going to execute is a really big thing

02:30:52.200 --> 02:30:54.080
And I mean the draft we just got a look at it

02:30:54.080 --> 02:30:58.720
Did you see anything from it Chan that kind of stood out to you are they coming back in the same kind of a state?

02:30:58.720 --> 02:31:00.720
I think you know

02:31:01.760 --> 02:31:04.480
Unfortunately for one and traveled they really only have the rogue mage today

02:31:04.480 --> 02:31:12.660
I'm really not expecting anything different out of them, but I think really it's going to be very similar games the entire series

02:31:12.660 --> 02:31:16.340
It's gonna be bloody. It's gonna be really chaotic the combustion one-minute cooldown from the five-mage

02:31:16.780 --> 02:31:20.380
That's the main thing to look out for from the five-mage and then from the assassination road

02:31:20.380 --> 02:31:22.260
It's not just a death mark on two-minute cooldown

02:31:22.260 --> 02:31:26.380
It's that Kingsman on the one-minute cooldown and so when they layer those offensives

02:31:26.700 --> 02:31:31.020
You know, they can either do them together or they can split them out on different Sunday yards

02:31:31.020 --> 02:31:36.820
If you're doing that, we're going to force way more full rounds, of course, we do get the same match up here,

02:31:36.820 --> 02:31:39.820
Ganks on opening, let's see how they appreciate OpenerZ.

02:31:39.820 --> 02:31:45.820
Yeah, let's see what they decided to do here, Asgard, sneaking in here on the road, trying to get a sap,

02:31:45.820 --> 02:31:49.820
but it looks like everybody is in combat here, so he's going to just have to open up a vertical road.

02:31:49.820 --> 02:31:54.820
We're here already going after that mage, and I do like what both teams are doing, going after the mage early on,

02:31:54.820 --> 02:32:03.820
I just could build up some momentum, and Blind actually being committed into a hammer of justice again here in the opener here from China, so being very, very aggressive.

02:32:03.820 --> 02:32:12.320
Sacrifice being early traded here from W, and I think he might have actually stacked some cramp circles there as well, but Blind, very, very nice play there from W.

02:32:12.320 --> 02:32:15.820
Yep, the combustion now over for PMAG. Pick damage onto him actually.

02:32:15.820 --> 02:32:18.940
Last thought, using his deathmark and his keychain combo there.

02:32:18.940 --> 02:32:20.780
From Hiddie, does have the deathmark available.

02:32:20.780 --> 02:32:23.740
Both teams just trading out the fences, iron bark, and a hand of sacrifice

02:32:23.740 --> 02:32:25.420
printed out from both healers.

02:32:25.420 --> 02:32:26.980
But from Hiddie now, he's got the deathmark.

02:32:26.980 --> 02:32:27.980
That'll be the next sign of damage.

02:32:27.980 --> 02:32:29.740
Pimek now, right now, taking a ton of damage.

02:32:29.740 --> 02:32:31.860
Next, not in NECC, should be okay.

02:32:31.860 --> 02:32:34.420
W with earlier, very nice play, sacking the blind.

02:32:34.420 --> 02:32:35.980
Bob comes out onto Alistar.

02:32:35.980 --> 02:32:37.540
Hodge onto Nex, let's see what happens.

02:32:37.540 --> 02:32:38.540
Yeah, let's see what they do.

02:32:38.540 --> 02:32:40.620
Pimek isolated, running away for a little bit,

02:32:40.620 --> 02:32:43.300
but those bleeds are still taking Alistar long back in.

02:32:43.300 --> 02:32:44.580
Can they force the ice block here?

02:32:44.580 --> 02:32:49.460
here, next kid's got road silence, but manages to sneak in a huge heel right there, you make

02:32:49.460 --> 02:32:52.940
the pink cognition, wants to get aggressive, does have to come bust him here in just a

02:32:52.940 --> 02:32:57.380
couple of seconds, he's been rotating back up as well, so a lot of offense potential

02:32:57.380 --> 02:33:01.260
here for streamers zone, can they get some crowd control though onto W, that is the big

02:33:01.260 --> 02:33:05.940
question, he's been brought up in a full kidney shot, they get the full poly onto W and immediately

02:33:05.940 --> 02:33:09.820
Alastor ducking for cover, but he's line of sighting his healer here in this position,

02:33:09.820 --> 02:33:15.360
You have the limited of run to make there to make it back his team. It but can I just to recover outside for now?

02:33:15.500 --> 02:33:20.220
Same time a lot of pressure onto the mage that both teams managed to recover nicely done there

02:33:20.500 --> 02:33:23.760
Defensively from one and travel. Yeah, but bring he did take in some of damage right now

02:33:23.760 --> 02:33:27.540
Next has to do a ton of work iron bar finally available for him. She's not to use it

02:33:27.540 --> 02:33:30.900
That was the Kingsman from Alistair that was the combustion from the W to the poly now

02:33:30.900 --> 02:33:33.200
Let's see what they can do with that bring he to get stunned up on his go

02:33:33.380 --> 02:33:38.900
Yeah, and they get a big big shame here if they can continue it on to next is the question

02:33:38.900 --> 02:33:41.980
You get to the road silence. Do they have a kidney shot? Another road silence.

02:33:41.980 --> 02:33:44.600
They're looking for some cradles. Maybe they're looking to swap the next actually.

02:33:44.600 --> 02:33:46.820
You should be very careful in this situation as well.

02:33:46.820 --> 02:33:50.040
It looks like they want to go after him with a hodge. There it is. Full hodge.

02:33:50.040 --> 02:33:54.620
They're going after the next. Big swap here onto the healer. Looks like they just want to triple bleed.

02:33:54.620 --> 02:33:56.340
Next did respond there with the bark skin.

02:33:56.340 --> 02:34:01.580
So they don't want to over commit and waste too much time there as he is going to be able to survive that situation instead.

02:34:01.580 --> 02:34:06.680
You got to focus on AoE bleeding. If you can see it on the damage done here, China is leading big time there.

02:34:06.680 --> 02:34:11.240
but cooldowns starting to look slim. W already using his trinket in this situation.

02:34:11.240 --> 02:34:14.280
Next time he gets caught up in a polymorph it could be the bubble.

02:34:14.280 --> 02:34:16.840
Yep, they're going after PMA. Full blind on the next, it looks like.

02:34:16.840 --> 02:34:18.680
Throw from Braheedy. Oh, but there's the bubble.

02:34:18.680 --> 02:34:21.000
Lingling Tue taking a lot of damage as well. PMA as well.

02:34:21.000 --> 02:34:22.680
Double combustion coming out from both teams.

02:34:22.680 --> 02:34:24.840
And right now Alistair, he has to use QW potentially.

02:34:24.840 --> 02:34:27.320
Smoke bomb comes out from Braheedy, but he's too scared to chase right now

02:34:27.320 --> 02:34:29.400
because enemy makes a lot of combustion as well.

02:34:30.120 --> 02:34:33.080
Yeah, and that is another huge cooldown here.

02:34:33.080 --> 02:34:35.960
But W is going to have at least his trinket rotated back up.

02:34:35.960 --> 02:34:38.600
And that really is the name of the game when you're playing as Paladins.

02:34:38.600 --> 02:34:40.120
It's all about those breakers.

02:34:40.120 --> 02:34:44.280
As soon as the Paladin has no sacrifice, no bop, no bubble, and no trinket,

02:34:44.280 --> 02:34:48.520
you can get him into a nice long CC chain, and that is ultimately what's going to win you again

02:34:48.520 --> 02:34:52.360
if you're a streamer zone, but at the same time, they have a little bit of offense here to work with

02:34:52.360 --> 02:34:56.520
on the side of 1-1 travel, and they make something happen, potentially on the green hitting.

02:34:56.520 --> 02:34:58.280
It's definitely comfortable with this trinket.

02:34:58.280 --> 02:35:01.880
Out of the start, though, okay, big trouble, huge damage coming out here,

02:35:01.880 --> 02:35:07.700
But once again W out of craft control they'd have to use his human racial there, which is a pseudo trinket

02:35:07.700 --> 02:35:12.740
So his actual trinket is now in cooldown. So big big trouble ahead here on the next setup

02:35:14.340 --> 02:35:19.980
Busions ready for Alistair if Frunhidi can survive trades out the cloak of shadows right now for Zico Alistair is in so much trouble

02:35:19.980 --> 02:35:24.000
They need to catch him before the cloak of shadows comes out before the evasion lands if they can fall

02:35:24.000 --> 02:35:29.540
He trinkets the evasion is next you need so much healing is able to top him back up and now they're looking for it

02:35:29.540 --> 02:35:30.420
How are they going to set it up?

02:35:30.420 --> 02:35:31.580
Cheap shot, onto W.

02:35:31.580 --> 02:35:32.860
Fuki, near the outside!

02:35:32.860 --> 02:35:33.500
This is it!

02:35:33.500 --> 02:35:34.420
He's not going out!

02:35:34.420 --> 02:35:36.100
Set, comes out.

02:35:36.100 --> 02:35:37.300
No way.

02:35:37.300 --> 02:35:40.220
W somehow managed to sneak in the sacrifice

02:35:40.220 --> 02:35:42.900
in the nick of time and save his rope.

02:35:42.900 --> 02:35:45.100
That looked like a complete KO was about to happen,

02:35:45.100 --> 02:35:46.860
but good offense as well.

02:35:46.860 --> 02:35:48.860
Onto Brunhidi from China here.

02:35:48.860 --> 02:35:51.060
They're looking very, very scary as well.

02:35:51.060 --> 02:35:53.460
Just able to drop him in just a matter of seconds.

02:35:53.460 --> 02:35:55.260
But now next, what is he going to do?

02:35:55.260 --> 02:35:56.580
He has a little bit of breathing room here.

02:35:56.580 --> 02:35:57.780
His entire team is top.

02:35:57.780 --> 02:35:59.500
He could be looking for some offensive cyclones.

02:35:59.500 --> 02:36:03.980
has the bash as well to set it up and the next time they get a crowd control on to Alistar

02:36:03.980 --> 02:36:07.580
I don't know how they're going to be able to survive there's still a little bit of time left

02:36:07.580 --> 02:36:11.180
for W is going to have his cool down to rotate it back up so he's playing very far back there

02:36:11.180 --> 02:36:15.820
the kid is out on to Alistar with W not in any crowd control should be able to power through it

02:36:15.820 --> 02:36:19.980
and actually kind of a wasted go here from streamer zone now one new travel is going to have a little

02:36:19.980 --> 02:36:25.100
bit of room here to make an offensive play here comes the combustion big damage nice defensive

02:36:25.100 --> 02:36:29.100
dragon's breath from p-make to slow it down for a little bit but still a lot of pressure on

02:36:29.100 --> 02:36:32.260
both of these rogues jammed. Yeah, W actually have to trinket. They get blinded or they

02:36:32.260 --> 02:36:37.660
trinket. Do they have damage? P-Mec does have the combustion available. Half-blood, combustion!

02:36:37.660 --> 02:36:42.300
That was an insane instant blind there on the trinket. Continuing the chain. Streamer

02:36:42.300 --> 02:36:46.740
zone looking dominant here. That was a really, really nice split-second decision because

02:36:46.740 --> 02:36:52.380
it wasn't DR blind, but it wasn't enough to actually net them the kill. Streamer zone

02:36:52.380 --> 02:36:58.500
up now 2-0 in their very first round. It's looking good for EU right now. It is indeed

02:36:58.500 --> 02:37:06.420
should be feeling proud and I'm sure everybody watching around the world in the region are probably very excited to see this continue to go in streamer zone Gigi's favor

02:37:06.420 --> 02:37:07.940
But with two points on the board

02:37:07.940 --> 02:37:14.060
This does put them at that possible winning advantage and one then travel have to really figure out how they're going to answer this

02:37:14.060 --> 02:37:17.860
Or if they even it can't I mean chan seeing how they kind of competed here

02:37:17.860 --> 02:37:20.660
Do you think there's anything that they can do to secure this victory?

02:37:20.660 --> 02:37:23.100
I think they just need to go again and just try to play better

02:37:23.100 --> 02:37:26.020
There were moments in this game again where Bernoulli nearly went down

02:37:26.020 --> 02:37:32.260
You could tell they saw the win condition onto Alistar W had no human trinket Alistar had no trinket

02:37:32.260 --> 02:37:33.660
Didn't have the cloak to have the evasion

02:37:33.660 --> 02:37:39.480
They were just talking about that next setup and but he didn't nearly went down almost dying because you know that's what they were

02:37:39.480 --> 02:37:42.940
Focused on so for me, I'm seeing a bit of nerves retrievers in the GG

02:37:42.940 --> 02:37:45.880
I think you know if one on travel does bring it back in game three

02:37:45.900 --> 02:37:47.900
There is a potential for them to go further

02:37:48.180 --> 02:37:52.940
Actually, you take the whole series, but it's an uphill battle now. You're down zero two, you know stuff

02:37:52.940 --> 02:37:56.360
I mean, yeah, you have to try to overcome that mental that worry. I just you know

02:37:56.360 --> 02:37:59.720
Hey, this is the deciding match and you have to be able to really stay in it

02:37:59.720 --> 02:38:06.440
But you're right one win travel had these moments where we could see they almost broke through but we'll look more at this over with that

02:38:06.960 --> 02:38:11.840
Yeah, there's a really kind of interest. There's a lot of close calls like we talked about so very back-and-forth game

02:38:11.840 --> 02:38:16.920
But there's kind of an interesting dynamic and strategy difference between these two teams or it feels like one win travel

02:38:16.920 --> 02:38:22.220
They have to keep teammate can check and I think one of the reasons for that is that he may can go and isolate

02:38:22.220 --> 02:38:24.220
W a lot in the game Calvin can't defend

02:38:24.560 --> 02:38:27.440
Themself nearly as well against the mage as a restoration druid

02:38:27.440 --> 02:38:29.880
So you're kind of forced in this situation where you need to go in the mage

02:38:29.880 --> 02:38:34.400
And that's a big advantage for streamer zone because I feel like the clear path to victory is

02:38:34.840 --> 02:38:39.560
Going after the road getting these setups like this like we just saw where you get the trick it out of the way

02:38:39.560 --> 02:38:44.000
And now all of a sudden one of them travels in a situation where nobody has any cool downs

02:38:44.000 --> 02:38:51.400
They're just slowly whittling down and like channel talked about you have these very powerful offensive cooldowns like the Kingsbane as well as the

02:38:51.500 --> 02:38:56.360
Combustion that you can rotate through essentially every 30 seconds every kidney shot and if you don't perfectly

02:38:56.840 --> 02:39:01.160
Reactive those situations the game is over very quickly. So I think one loon travel

02:39:01.160 --> 02:39:03.720
They're actually doing a really good job keeping themselves alive

02:39:03.720 --> 02:39:06.000
They just need to find better targeting and I don't know

02:39:06.000 --> 02:39:07.920
Maybe they could do it all in on the druid

02:39:07.920 --> 02:39:10.160
Potentially maybe they do need to just focus on burn pity

02:39:10.160 --> 02:39:15.100
but I think the reason why they're going after P make more just because they kind of have to in this matchup as a

02:39:15.560 --> 02:39:17.560
Paladin's bit of a vulnerability to crowd control

02:39:18.320 --> 02:39:18.920
I mean

02:39:18.920 --> 02:39:22.720
I think that's a very interesting kind of point for them with one line travel to keep that in consideration

02:39:22.720 --> 02:39:28.040
But when you are being forced to sort of focus as it gives streamers on GG just as was pointed out that

02:39:28.520 --> 02:39:34.360
Advantage of knowing where your attention is going to be and then figuring out how they want to use that to their advantage

02:39:34.360 --> 02:39:38.360
And I mean Ziko streamers on GG of course like we've mentioned a name people know

02:39:38.360 --> 02:39:42.000
But this configuration of the team is really kind of out sort of

02:39:42.520 --> 02:39:45.220
Coming together in their synergy their structure their identity

02:39:45.220 --> 02:39:49.560
It's been still developing over the course of this year with the play we're seeing here

02:39:49.560 --> 02:39:53.560
How do you think they're coming together for you? I think this is looking pretty good for them

02:39:53.880 --> 02:40:00.400
They're playing a matchup that they're very confident in they get to have you know their players shine individually P-Make and very you know

02:40:00.440 --> 02:40:05.420
Offensive on the mage and likes to get in there likes to go for college likes to get you know

02:40:05.420 --> 02:40:07.720
Be very disruptive as well when you play against him

02:40:07.720 --> 02:40:11.100
and Wondern Travel, they're gonna have to deal with that.

02:40:11.100 --> 02:40:14.720
And to Venn's credit, I kinda like that idea

02:40:14.720 --> 02:40:17.720
because we saw it, they went after Nexna one time

02:40:17.720 --> 02:40:20.240
on Wondern Travel, they got his Barxia Mephisto,

02:40:20.240 --> 02:40:21.680
he never went back on him.

02:40:21.680 --> 02:40:24.600
I wanna see that, I think Paladin's work the best

02:40:24.600 --> 02:40:28.240
when you are not respecting your opponent at all.

02:40:28.240 --> 02:40:31.160
You're just fool-zucking it, go after the healer,

02:40:31.160 --> 02:40:32.800
send everything you have,

02:40:32.800 --> 02:40:35.600
don't try to rotate your cooldowns defensively

02:40:35.600 --> 02:40:37.760
to just survive.

02:40:37.760 --> 02:40:40.320
Rotate them while you're trying to all-in someone.

02:40:40.320 --> 02:40:42.240
And I think that's when piloting works the best.

02:40:42.240 --> 02:40:44.160
So that's what I want to see from them.

02:40:44.160 --> 02:40:46.520
Because right now, Streamer's on a pretty confident,

02:40:46.520 --> 02:40:48.560
just playing their normal game.

02:40:48.560 --> 02:40:51.320
And yeah, they're not really being tested too much,

02:40:51.320 --> 02:40:54.320
aside from a couple of panic moments.

02:40:54.320 --> 02:40:54.840
I love that.

02:40:54.840 --> 02:40:57.160
How it works best when it's just utterly disrespectful.

02:40:57.160 --> 02:40:57.660
Yeah.

02:40:57.660 --> 02:40:58.320
That's the secret.

02:40:58.320 --> 02:40:58.720
I love it.

02:40:58.720 --> 02:40:59.440
I love it.

02:40:59.440 --> 02:41:01.680
I mean, we'll have to see how this play is going to go.

02:41:01.680 --> 02:41:03.840
But you know these two teams must have a lot of respect

02:41:03.840 --> 02:41:05.360
for one another as they come in here.

02:41:05.360 --> 02:41:10.000
streamers on GG versus one loon travel with this is a possibly winning game

02:41:10.000 --> 02:41:13.840
here for streamers on GG. They just need one more point to secure their

02:41:13.840 --> 02:41:18.560
advance here along as we look ahead to our grand finals. But one loon travel

02:41:18.560 --> 02:41:21.360
they have a chance here. They've had moments where they've nearly broken

02:41:21.360 --> 02:41:25.000
through and we can only hope that here in these dark damp sewers they will

02:41:25.000 --> 02:41:29.200
bring a shining ray of light and find that chance. Yeah absolutely gates are

02:41:29.200 --> 02:41:32.400
already open now. We've seen the opener how they approach that Alice

02:41:32.400 --> 02:41:36.800
So choosing to wait for Brunhidi to open most of the times, we'll see if both rogues walking past each other.

02:41:36.800 --> 02:41:41.440
If they can find anything, potentially a sap on to the next, not able to have that happen of course.

02:41:41.440 --> 02:41:43.920
But I think in the opener, combustion is going to get ripped.

02:41:43.920 --> 02:41:48.400
King Spain is going to get pulled out, but it's just going to get iron bar and a sack and so we can slow open the D.

02:41:48.400 --> 02:41:50.560
Yeah, let's see here what's inside to go after.

02:41:50.560 --> 02:41:55.600
We find Brunhidi here, immediately shutting him down, combustion immediately gets traded here.

02:41:55.600 --> 02:41:58.240
Coming in with big aggression from one new travel.

02:41:58.240 --> 02:42:23.240
Let's see if they can actually net themselves any defensive cooldowns, it doesn't look like it, next ceiling throw up lined right here, and next, choosing to sit these vines is very intelligent, because he does realize that he could be a potential target, they chain it with a hammer of justice, can make it for me across as well, it does not look like it, nice counter spell that shut it down from PMAG, being disruptive on that mage yet again, and this is basically all your offensive cooldowns, except for the rogue offensives on the side of one noon travel, and they didn't net you anything.

02:42:23.240 --> 02:42:25.240
Yeah, there's the desktop player from Alistar on the teammate.

02:42:25.240 --> 02:42:27.240
He's gonna go on a mage now instead of Bernhidi as much.

02:42:27.240 --> 02:42:30.240
StreamersZone.gg is pushing themselves, got the sack out of W.

02:42:30.240 --> 02:42:32.240
He'll also cool down to both teams now.

02:42:32.240 --> 02:42:35.240
Next, of course, has the R&B available for the next two sessions in 15 seconds.

02:42:35.240 --> 02:42:38.240
So I think right now, StreamersZone.gg, very nice offensive plays,

02:42:38.240 --> 02:42:41.240
pulling ahead of that strong opener from Wondon in travel.

02:42:41.240 --> 02:42:43.240
Bernhidi now on Sunday. Let's see what he's gonna do with this.

02:42:43.240 --> 02:42:46.240
Next, he's pushing in, he's going for the CC. Watch that.

02:42:46.240 --> 02:42:48.240
Alistar into the finish shot.

02:42:48.240 --> 02:42:51.240
W gets the first hammer of justice there, but the chieftain comes out,

02:42:51.240 --> 02:42:54.480
on 2W, next to the side, Long gets immediately interrupted.

02:42:54.480 --> 02:42:56.280
Beautiful play there from Ling Ling Ki.

02:42:56.280 --> 02:43:00.380
And now we're going to see E-Make here trying to get something going as well

02:43:00.380 --> 02:43:03.560
on the opposite side, but then the combustion gets ripped there as well.

02:43:03.560 --> 02:43:04.760
I like that from Ling Ling Ki.

02:43:04.760 --> 02:43:07.560
He gets the counter spell, instantly sends the combustion as well,

02:43:07.560 --> 02:43:09.720
just to generate a lot of pressure for his team.

02:43:09.720 --> 02:43:12.840
But they are able to capitalize on it, and here comes the smoke bomb.

02:43:12.840 --> 02:43:16.160
All to Brune, here he actually is sitting through that smoke bomb here,

02:43:16.160 --> 02:43:17.840
and not falling for the bait.

02:43:17.840 --> 02:43:19.880
And now counter-killing shot. Counter-smoke bomb!

02:43:19.880 --> 02:43:24.720
coming out, huge set up coming out from streamer zone.

02:43:24.720 --> 02:43:27.960
That was beautiful, I love when folks do that.

02:43:27.960 --> 02:43:31.240
They do a kidney shot and then they have to commit into the kidney shot and

02:43:31.240 --> 02:43:36.200
then they do the late bomb because you don't want to drink in a kidney shot at

02:43:36.200 --> 02:43:39.080
the last second, you want to drink it right away and

02:43:39.080 --> 02:43:41.800
that is just perfect execution there from streamer zone.

02:43:41.800 --> 02:43:45.280
There is some of that incredible timing and decision making that we were

02:43:45.280 --> 02:43:49.840
highlighting that makes arena so dynamic and amazing to see our streamer zone GG.

02:43:49.840 --> 02:43:53.280
definitively secure this for themselves 3-0.

02:43:53.280 --> 02:43:54.760
Now, of course, one would travel.

02:43:54.760 --> 02:43:56.120
They traveled all this way, and they

02:43:56.120 --> 02:43:57.600
said that even being here was something

02:43:57.600 --> 02:43:59.600
that they were already so proud of.

02:43:59.600 --> 02:44:01.920
Of course, they would have wanted to keep going,

02:44:01.920 --> 02:44:03.880
but I'm sure they've learned a lot already,

02:44:03.880 --> 02:44:05.640
even from this experience with everyone

02:44:05.640 --> 02:44:06.920
as they were hoping to.

02:44:06.920 --> 02:44:09.000
Now, I mean, Chan, this was a big one.

02:44:09.000 --> 02:44:09.920
This was an exciting one.

02:44:09.920 --> 02:44:12.920
And while it went very swiftly in streamers on GG's favor,

02:44:12.920 --> 02:44:14.520
there was still a lot of potential for it

02:44:14.520 --> 02:44:16.520
to go either way in key moments, right?

02:44:16.520 --> 02:44:16.800
Yeah.

02:44:16.800 --> 02:44:19.000
I mean, this last game was perhaps not the best.

02:44:19.000 --> 02:44:22.680
for one on travel side, but Magran Arena, you know, hook point.

02:44:22.680 --> 02:44:26.120
There were opportunities where they could have won the game if Streamerzone did mess up.

02:44:26.120 --> 02:44:30.600
I wasn't too happy with the defensive play from Streamerzone in game two, but, you know,

02:44:30.600 --> 02:44:35.080
they recovered from it, they fixed their mistake, and they punished the mistakes from one on travel.

02:44:35.080 --> 02:44:39.160
Of course, this is a, for me, like I said earlier, this one winner containing team.

02:44:39.960 --> 02:44:44.040
And I think that, you know, they played well today, they pulled it off.

02:44:44.040 --> 02:44:50.600
This is the first time on stage for P-Mac for Next and it's a really good start to their day.

02:44:50.600 --> 02:44:54.600
I mean it has to feel good when you nail that first series and you're already feeling like

02:44:54.600 --> 02:44:58.840
we can move ahead and we can keep up this momentum. So I'm sure that they are feeling

02:44:58.840 --> 02:45:03.640
really good with that and with their performance. And I mean, Ben you were over there watching

02:45:03.640 --> 02:45:07.480
on the analyst desk. What were you observing in the details of this last game?

02:45:08.120 --> 02:45:12.120
I mean there's just beautiful plays coming in from both sides but I mean ultimately what it

02:45:12.120 --> 02:45:16.920
What it comes down to for me is streamer zone. They are very well practiced in this matchup

02:45:16.920 --> 02:45:21.320
in Europe. Rogue mage is a composition you see quite often. They have a lot of practice

02:45:21.320 --> 02:45:27.400
partners that they kind of refine their strategies with and against. And you saw it in the gameplay,

02:45:27.400 --> 02:45:30.600
the way they were able to get crowd control in the healer, isolate the Rogue. It just

02:45:30.600 --> 02:45:34.360
seemed like they knew exactly what they wanted to do. And unfortunately for one-lun travel,

02:45:34.360 --> 02:45:38.280
it just seemed like they were healer disadvantage a little bit. The powder, I don't think,

02:45:38.280 --> 02:45:40.280
I feel like W had a great

02:45:40.280 --> 02:45:41.280
performance on that paladin with

02:45:41.280 --> 02:45:42.280
the way he rotated through his

02:45:42.280 --> 02:45:44.280
cooldowns and kept his team alive.

02:45:44.280 --> 02:45:45.280
So I'll shout out to one then

02:45:45.280 --> 02:45:46.280
travel, but I feel like streamer

02:45:46.280 --> 02:45:47.280
zone. They're just more equipped

02:45:47.280 --> 02:45:49.280
for this matchup. Indeed. And I

02:45:49.280 --> 02:45:50.280
mean, our semi finalists, we'd

02:45:50.280 --> 02:45:52.280
love to hear from them directly.

02:45:52.280 --> 02:45:53.280
So I know you have streamers on

02:45:53.280 --> 02:45:54.280
Gigi on the stage. Let's hear

02:45:54.280 --> 02:45:55.280
how they're feeling after their

02:45:55.280 --> 02:45:58.280
win. I sure do. I am here with

02:45:58.280 --> 02:46:00.280
a Brune Hitti of streamers on Gigi.

02:46:00.280 --> 02:46:01.280
Now just now you were telling

02:46:01.280 --> 02:46:02.280
me this is your first ever

02:46:02.280 --> 02:46:04.280
BlizzCon. Now you have the victory

02:46:04.280 --> 02:46:06.280
on New York City. You're

02:46:06.280 --> 02:46:10.280
Now you have the victory under your belt. How are you feeling right now?

02:46:10.280 --> 02:46:13.280
I mean, I'm feeling amazing, especially because we didn't really know what we were going to,

02:46:13.280 --> 02:46:16.280
because there was not much to find about a region like China.

02:46:16.280 --> 02:46:20.280
No one really knows anything, but we tried to prepare as much as we could have.

02:46:20.280 --> 02:46:23.280
I mean, we knew they might play Rogue Meshpalla then, and it came down to it,

02:46:23.280 --> 02:46:28.280
and we spent workings a lot. We played a lot here, even in the practice area, and paid off.

02:46:28.280 --> 02:46:33.280
Yeah, I mean, speaking of learning things about China, they locked in Hookpoint with Rogue Mage,

02:46:33.280 --> 02:46:38.280
Which seemed like an interesting choice. Did you guys have any reactions to that?

02:46:38.280 --> 02:46:42.280
We actually thought about it before, that they might pick maybe like a small map if they lose the blind pick.

02:46:42.280 --> 02:46:45.280
Because I think it's kind of good to play aggressive with Paladin.

02:46:45.280 --> 02:46:49.280
Because I think if he just stays back and kind of does nothing, it's very hard to finish versus the rest of the grid.

02:46:49.280 --> 02:46:54.280
So I think it was smart pick by them to be honest. I would say it kind of paid off.

02:46:54.280 --> 02:46:58.280
I mean, I think it was the closest game, almost died in the bomb. So I think it was a good pick by them.

02:46:58.280 --> 02:47:02.280
Amazing. All right, well, looking forward to your next series.

02:47:02.280 --> 02:47:05.240
What are your reactions? Are you confident for that moving forward?

02:47:05.240 --> 02:47:08.520
I mean, I'm pretty confident. We're gonna have some time now to go practice a bit and

02:47:09.120 --> 02:47:10.600
Prepare a bit more for the series

02:47:10.600 --> 02:47:14.880
But obviously facing the first any team the first seed so there's definitely gonna be hard games

02:47:15.120 --> 02:47:21.200
Think it might also come down to another of mage and you'll see but I think it's gonna be amazing games to watch to be honest

02:47:21.200 --> 02:47:24.040
All right. Well, congratulations once again and good luck on your next series

02:47:25.440 --> 02:47:27.160
Great to hear from

02:47:27.160 --> 02:47:30.060
who are you? I'm so excited

02:47:30.240 --> 02:47:30.700
to be here. I'm feeling so

02:47:30.860 --> 02:47:32.000
excited to be here. I'm feeling

02:47:32.140 --> 02:47:33.840
so much excitement and

02:47:33.960 --> 02:47:34.960
screamer of Zone G.G. Especially

02:47:35.100 --> 02:47:36.740
in the wake of that win. Love

02:47:36.860 --> 02:47:38.240
that First Blizzcon energy. I

02:47:38.380 --> 02:47:39.600
know some of us. It's our

02:47:39.740 --> 02:47:40.500
First Blizzcon. It's mine at

02:47:40.640 --> 02:47:42.340
least, but it has to feel good

02:47:42.480 --> 02:47:43.440
to compete on the stage and

02:47:43.580 --> 02:47:44.740
then you know we were talking

02:47:44.880 --> 02:47:45.680
to you just before this about

02:47:45.820 --> 02:47:46.520
some of the match and what we

02:47:46.640 --> 02:47:48.720
just saw. But do you have any

02:47:48.840 --> 02:47:50.180
further additions? I feeling

02:47:50.320 --> 02:47:51.480
for their team like we

02:47:51.620 --> 02:47:52.160
mentioned. They're kind of a

02:47:52.280 --> 02:47:53.160
newer roster. So being on the

02:47:53.280 --> 02:47:55.020
stage and coming off of 30

02:47:55.160 --> 02:47:55.720
especially in the matchup,

02:47:55.720 --> 02:48:00.020
It's got to be a huge confidence booster and it's also a great way to get the nerves out of the way, right?

02:48:00.020 --> 02:48:05.580
Because we mentioned this is a single elimination tournament. If you lose, you are out. You are eliminated.

02:48:05.580 --> 02:48:07.980
So there's only a few series last year in the AWC.

02:48:07.980 --> 02:48:12.780
We still have, you know, our first seeds from both North America and Europe yet to play.

02:48:12.780 --> 02:48:16.920
But I feel like Streamer's own with this performance, you can tell they're really up to the challenge.

02:48:17.180 --> 02:48:22.980
Beautiful smoke bomb here on the Alistar. Light smoke bomb. And it was just a little bit too late there when we get that win.

02:48:22.980 --> 02:48:27.300
but it really shows the masters they are on the specialization and if you want to be masters at anything

02:48:27.620 --> 02:48:29.620
Rogue mage is a good bet

02:48:32.580 --> 02:48:36.420
I love chance additional extra laugh there. I mean you do you agree champ?

02:48:36.420 --> 02:48:39.300
We know that heart is being the fourth on a team with an excellent rogue mage

02:48:44.420 --> 02:48:48.820
Oh, that was your strat, huh? That's what you did when you were playing. It's the strat. You're always a strat

02:48:48.820 --> 02:48:50.820
I mean, like you said, streamers

02:48:50.920 --> 02:48:52.820
on GG coming into it like this,

02:48:52.920 --> 02:48:53.820
getting those nerves out.

02:48:53.920 --> 02:48:55.820
I think that's a really big thing

02:48:55.920 --> 02:48:57.820
to just be able to get acclimated

02:48:57.920 --> 02:48:59.820
to the stage and the energy of the audience

02:48:59.920 --> 02:49:00.820
so that it doesn't throw you,

02:49:00.920 --> 02:49:03.820
but also say you can use it to kind of drive you forward

02:49:03.920 --> 02:49:06.820
and keep building on what you've already done so well.

02:49:06.920 --> 02:49:09.820
And of course, this was a great series to see from them.

02:49:09.920 --> 02:49:11.820
We hope to see one in travel again in the future.

02:49:11.920 --> 02:49:12.820
We're so glad they made it out,

02:49:12.920 --> 02:49:15.820
but streamers on GG will be moving ahead

02:49:15.820 --> 02:49:19.920
moving ahead and facing later on Gator's back,

02:49:19.920 --> 02:49:21.920
which I think, you know, even we heard in the interview

02:49:21.920 --> 02:49:24.520
is gonna be some pretty stiff competition Seiko.

02:49:24.520 --> 02:49:28.120
Yeah, I mean, this is gonna be a real, real test here

02:49:28.120 --> 02:49:29.280
for Streamer's own.

02:49:29.280 --> 02:49:33.240
Gator's back has been the best team in North America,

02:49:33.240 --> 02:49:35.520
in my opinion, by a long shot this season.

02:49:35.520 --> 02:49:36.720
They have just got everything,

02:49:36.720 --> 02:49:38.200
everything's clicking for them.

02:49:38.200 --> 02:49:40.840
And if there's one thing that is extremely scary,

02:49:40.840 --> 02:49:43.720
it is when it's a rest of Druid meta

02:49:43.720 --> 02:49:45.680
and you have to play against Cops Z-Boy.

02:49:45.680 --> 02:49:48.220
And most of these healers are all alting.

02:49:48.220 --> 02:49:50.800
Next, he's doing great on the rest of Druid.

02:49:50.800 --> 02:49:53.400
You know, Lumpur's doing great on the rest of Druid.

02:49:53.400 --> 02:49:56.480
But Cubs has been playing the rest of Druid his entire life.

02:49:56.480 --> 02:49:58.880
He is a different beast when it comes to playing that healer.

02:49:58.880 --> 02:50:03.000
So that is going to be very scary for all of these teams.

02:50:03.000 --> 02:50:05.640
It definitely is, but it's going to be very exciting for us, at least.

02:50:05.640 --> 02:50:07.720
I mean, I know we're looking forward to it in CHAMP

02:50:07.720 --> 02:50:09.160
with all of the series ahead.

02:50:09.160 --> 02:50:11.040
Are you amped up for this AWC?

02:50:11.040 --> 02:50:11.880
Oh, it's insane.

02:50:11.880 --> 02:50:12.960
I love LANZ.

02:50:12.960 --> 02:50:17.720
This is the best event for AWC every single year, and I can't wait to see who's going to win this year.

02:50:17.720 --> 02:50:20.840
I mean, the series coming up, it's going to be an absolute treat for us.

02:50:20.840 --> 02:50:25.320
I love Red Mage Mirrors, I'm a big fan of them, I think we're going to see a ton of them today.

02:50:25.320 --> 02:50:27.120
It's due or die.

02:50:27.120 --> 02:50:29.880
It's so nice the teams just gave you what you were hoping to see exactly.

02:50:29.880 --> 02:50:32.680
I mean, it's really kind of them, but honestly, we are looking forward to it.

02:50:32.680 --> 02:50:36.600
It's going to be a wonderful time, and we will have AWC going on throughout the day,

02:50:36.600 --> 02:50:39.360
but we have a little something else coming up next.

02:50:39.360 --> 02:50:45.200
Now our scheduling shifted things over and the MDI Grand Final still have to be decided.

02:50:45.200 --> 02:50:47.520
We have a champion to crown over.

02:50:47.520 --> 02:50:51.640
There it is the day of champions, honestly, between MDI and AWC.

02:50:51.640 --> 02:50:56.040
So very soon our teams will be taking to the stage to decide it all for the Mythic Dungeon

02:50:56.040 --> 02:50:57.040
International.

02:50:57.040 --> 02:51:00.640
We'll be back soon after a break to find out who the champion will be.

02:51:09.360 --> 02:51:20.960
BlizzCon is brought to you by Fanta, lip-smacking deliciousness.

02:51:20.960 --> 02:51:23.120
Want a Fanta?

02:51:23.120 --> 02:51:25.880
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02:52:25.880 --> 02:52:27.880
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Built to last, brilliance ahead, gigabyte, upgrade your life, secret lab, pro-grade ergonomics

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for the highest level of play.

02:53:46.880 --> 02:53:48.120
It's been a long journey.

02:53:48.120 --> 02:53:52.680
We started off playing for fun, just all streaming together, just trying to have a good time.

02:53:52.680 --> 02:53:56.120
It was very hard to actually get here. Long hours of playing, long hours of watching.

02:53:56.120 --> 02:53:58.840
Our goal was making it to BlizzCon and we did it.

02:53:58.840 --> 02:54:00.600
I never, never came to BlizzCon before.

02:54:00.600 --> 02:54:03.960
Meet all the people, play at stage with all the players.

02:54:03.960 --> 02:54:08.920
And just seeing everyone that you know from online, that you've been playing with,

02:54:08.920 --> 02:54:09.800
we are at BlizzCon.

02:54:09.800 --> 02:54:14.840
I see all the fans and everyone having like good energy and being hyped about the same thing.

02:54:14.840 --> 02:54:16.200
It's just such a sick thing.

02:54:16.200 --> 02:54:18.840
A lot of my team have never been to these events before.

02:54:18.840 --> 02:54:24.600
So for them to just come and kind of have their rookie showing like be the winners like they want them or anything else right so

02:54:24.840 --> 02:54:28.400
It means a lot. It's a big deal to play BlizzCon. Yeah, I'm very excited

02:54:28.400 --> 02:54:32.440
I would love to leave BlizzCon's BlizzCon champion. There's a title that not many people say they have

02:54:32.440 --> 02:54:36.280
I wouldn't leave BlizzCon with a win. Definitely if we can win the champion

02:54:36.360 --> 02:54:41.640
That would be the memory of the lifetime. It would be nice to win this BlizzCon and to get the trophy

02:54:41.640 --> 02:54:47.000
This is like winning the Olympic games. I would say kind of easy. Just see them. Yeah, just see it's easy

02:54:47.000 --> 02:54:49.920
Of course, I'm the best player in China.

02:54:49.920 --> 02:54:52.320
At least, I can be the best player in the world.

02:54:52.320 --> 02:54:56.360
Competing a BlizzCon, just being able to play video games in general for a living,

02:54:56.360 --> 02:54:58.200
I feel very blessed to be able to do that.

02:54:58.200 --> 02:55:02.160
To be here and kind of have it all culminated on one final day,

02:55:02.160 --> 02:55:03.720
and it's all pressure and a lot of emotion.

02:55:03.720 --> 02:55:06.000
It's been my dream for the past few years.

02:55:06.000 --> 02:55:08.000
After Sunday, I don't want to be over.

02:55:08.000 --> 02:55:09.360
You know, but a son.

02:55:09.360 --> 02:55:11.200
I probably will be very happy,

02:55:11.200 --> 02:55:15.600
but at the same time, I think I might also like cry or something.

02:55:15.600 --> 02:55:19.520
It's like a final test.

02:55:19.640 --> 02:55:21.600
At the end of the road, it feels amazing.

02:55:21.720 --> 02:55:24.760
When you're here, you realize it's all a bit of...

02:55:24.880 --> 02:55:26.800
It's been a really fun season for all of us.

02:55:26.920 --> 02:55:29.320
Hopefully we get the world we work for.

02:55:29.440 --> 02:55:33.720
This will be the end of this season, but I honestly think it's the beginning of something very good.

02:55:45.600 --> 02:56:02.960
Our home, Azeroth, her untold stories call to our hearts, revealing lands unexplored,

02:56:02.960 --> 02:56:07.560
forgotten secrets, and new horizons.

02:56:45.600 --> 02:56:47.600
I

02:57:45.600 --> 02:57:47.600
I

02:58:45.600 --> 02:59:12.600
As they're all wrecking us back, to home, to adventure, forever.

02:59:12.600 --> 02:59:42.320
MSI, take the next step in upgrading your visual experience with MSI's QD OLED monitors.

02:59:42.320 --> 02:59:44.320
To last, brilliance ahead.

02:59:45.020 --> 02:59:47.320
Gigabyte, upgrade your life.

02:59:47.820 --> 02:59:52.820
Secret Lab, pro-grade ergonomics for the highest level of play.

02:59:56.820 --> 03:00:01.320
We didn't get enough of the Mythic Dungeon International yesterday, and we are back for more today.

03:00:01.320 --> 03:00:04.320
The grand finals are about to kick off!

03:00:04.320 --> 03:00:11.320
The ultimate showdown of the best Mythic Plus speedrunners in the world, and you all are here to see it!

03:00:11.320 --> 03:00:14.520
We can't wait to witness that I am your desk host, Rook,

03:00:14.520 --> 03:00:16.760
and we've had a swap here from AWC.

03:00:16.760 --> 03:00:19.200
Zyro, Dratnus, titles, good to see you again.

03:00:19.200 --> 03:00:20.960
I mean, the excitement is real,

03:00:20.960 --> 03:00:23.660
and I think these grand finals are going to be incredible titles.

03:00:23.660 --> 03:00:26.960
This is the stage that everybody has been playing for.

03:00:26.960 --> 03:00:30.560
It has been seven years since the MDI has been back at lane,

03:00:30.560 --> 03:00:31.800
and we are back at BlizzCon,

03:00:31.800 --> 03:00:34.860
and we are going to be crowning the BlizzCon champion here today.

03:00:34.860 --> 03:00:36.900
I mean, there's so much on the line,

03:00:36.900 --> 03:00:39.500
not to mention the prizes, the trophies.

03:00:39.500 --> 03:00:42.140
I mean, taking one of those home and that prize pool,

03:00:42.140 --> 03:00:44.300
that would be a real achievement as well for these teams.

03:00:44.300 --> 03:00:45.640
Not only that, but it's a huge achievement

03:00:45.640 --> 03:00:46.780
for both of the regions up here.

03:00:46.780 --> 03:00:48.680
Dr. Anderson, now we're talking about this on stage.

03:00:48.680 --> 03:00:50.080
You have to go back five years

03:00:50.080 --> 03:00:52.280
for the last time a Chinese team won the MDI.

03:00:52.280 --> 03:00:55.180
It was asked her why back in Shadowlands, 2021,

03:00:55.180 --> 03:00:56.180
it took down the TGP.

03:00:56.180 --> 03:00:57.280
They almost took down an MDI,

03:00:57.280 --> 03:00:58.880
but ended up wiping at the last moment

03:00:58.880 --> 03:01:01.060
and now throw the Rime Finder back in the day.

03:01:01.060 --> 03:01:02.120
It was impressive.

03:01:02.120 --> 03:01:03.500
It's to be huge for big lucky.

03:01:03.500 --> 03:01:05.200
And you have to go back seven years

03:01:05.200 --> 03:01:08.160
to the last time that North America won an MDI.

03:01:08.160 --> 03:01:13.560
and MDI was in Sydney, the 3-0 of Method NA over Method EU.

03:01:13.560 --> 03:01:19.160
So either way, we're going to have a long drought broken here at the finals.

03:01:19.160 --> 03:01:21.360
This means everything to these two teams.

03:01:21.360 --> 03:01:24.160
And of course, if you're just catching up the format of today,

03:01:24.160 --> 03:01:25.360
we'll be our grand final.

03:01:25.360 --> 03:01:26.460
So this is not a best of three.

03:01:26.460 --> 03:01:28.160
This will be a best of five.

03:01:28.160 --> 03:01:31.960
They will have even more chances to run these dungeons as fast as they can

03:01:31.960 --> 03:01:33.960
and become champions.

03:01:33.960 --> 03:01:37.760
Now, of course, we have our draft rules, but there are also prizes to be won.

03:01:37.760 --> 03:01:42.720
$300,000 here on the line for the teams.

03:01:42.720 --> 03:01:44.100
Now though, as they look at the drafts,

03:01:44.100 --> 03:01:46.300
as they look at how they'll kind of move through this,

03:01:46.300 --> 03:01:48.520
I mean, Tettles, what are some of the considerations

03:01:48.520 --> 03:01:50.060
for both big, lucky, and liquid

03:01:50.060 --> 03:01:52.200
as they face off on these maps?

03:01:52.200 --> 03:01:54.740
I think that this series is going to be electric.

03:01:54.740 --> 03:01:56.980
Big, lucky, they were able to shock the world yesterday.

03:01:56.980 --> 03:01:59.540
They toppled the number one seed in Dignitas.

03:01:59.540 --> 03:02:01.860
Dignitas had a couple of deaths in their dungeons.

03:02:01.860 --> 03:02:04.660
Will big, lucky be able to get that magic back

03:02:04.660 --> 03:02:06.740
at the exact same time for liquid.

03:02:06.740 --> 03:02:08.740
I think that's the best

03:02:08.840 --> 03:02:09.840
composition.

03:02:09.940 --> 03:02:11.340
And I think that's the best

03:02:11.440 --> 03:02:12.140
composition.

03:02:12.240 --> 03:02:13.340
Liquid, especially whenever you

03:02:13.440 --> 03:02:14.840
talk to some of the mandatory

03:02:14.940 --> 03:02:16.840
competitors, Liquid has what is

03:02:16.940 --> 03:02:18.040
described as the best

03:02:18.140 --> 03:02:20.240
compositional lead on this stage.

03:02:20.340 --> 03:02:21.940
They had this warlock, this

03:02:22.040 --> 03:02:23.140
vengeance demon hunter.

03:02:23.240 --> 03:02:25.140
It looked exceptionally strong,

03:02:25.240 --> 03:02:26.040
but consistency.

03:02:26.140 --> 03:02:27.640
I think that we talked about it a

03:02:27.740 --> 03:02:28.540
bunch yesterday.

03:02:28.640 --> 03:02:29.840
Consistency tends to be that key

03:02:29.940 --> 03:02:30.840
takeaway where I feel like we

03:02:30.940 --> 03:02:32.140
haven't had very many maps, if

03:02:32.240 --> 03:02:33.340
any at all, that have gone

03:02:33.440 --> 03:02:34.340
completely deathless.

03:02:34.440 --> 03:02:35.140
It's true.

03:02:35.240 --> 03:02:36.640
But I mean that new season, it

03:02:36.740 --> 03:02:39.780
But we have to talk about these teams in more detail because that's your right.

03:02:39.980 --> 03:02:44.700
These teams both have a lot to show and mandatory first up here.

03:02:44.700 --> 03:02:48.380
I mean, excuse me, big lucky up first is one of the ones that I think we are going

03:02:48.380 --> 03:02:50.380
to see absolutely shine.

03:02:50.580 --> 03:02:55.020
Big lucky a CN team, a lot of content creators, but well known mythic plus runners.

03:02:55.220 --> 03:02:58.380
Grant knows what have they really shown us here in the competition?

03:02:58.420 --> 03:03:02.140
I mean, it started with an upset yesterday against Dignitas, but this is a team

03:03:02.140 --> 03:03:06.020
that I think in a best of five setting where we're going to be seeing

03:03:06.020 --> 03:03:22.020
You can't hide right in a best of five. You have to do so many different dungeons. I think big lucky are going to have a bit of an advantage there because I think they're going to have had more opportunity to prepare more of these dungeons. So I really like their chances here on China. One player particular here, Sean.

03:03:22.020 --> 03:03:34.020
People know was broken. Sean to Henry shun shine way back in the day. He's a superstar over in China. I played with him at limit 10 years ago. This is my first time seeing him in person here in BlizzCon. So one of the reasons this event is so great.

03:03:34.020 --> 03:03:39.180
absolutely I mean just incredible seeing how they've even come through this whole

03:03:39.180 --> 03:03:43.740
season up to this point this whole year that has led them to the grand finals

03:03:43.740 --> 03:03:46.780
big lucky I think when they started they weren't sure exactly how they would

03:03:46.780 --> 03:03:49.700
measure up it was their first time competing in speedrunning and they have

03:03:49.700 --> 03:03:53.520
just come to such great heights I mean Dratus it's been amazing seeing their

03:03:53.520 --> 03:03:56.700
journey yeah and you know it feels particularly good to win after you miss

03:03:56.700 --> 03:04:01.340
count as well against the team formerly known as missed count now

03:04:01.340 --> 03:04:09.340
a great team as well. Very sad to see them go yesterday, but big lucky their polls in a lot of cases it was a little bit more conservative.

03:04:09.340 --> 03:04:15.340
They would split things up to be a little bit more slowly gathered and into bosses, but sometimes that's what you need to avoid debts.

03:04:15.340 --> 03:04:21.340
Both of our series yesterday hinged on debts or wipes determining the victor.

03:04:21.340 --> 03:04:26.340
So if big lucky can continue to avoid that today, that might be all they need to win.

03:04:26.340 --> 03:04:33.340
I mean consistency is key, like we talked about, but Tettles, there's also this added pressure of really only having BlizzCon to compete.

03:04:33.340 --> 03:04:39.340
So those moments that you take risks, those moments that you're more conservative, I think it's more important than ever that you make the right choice.

03:04:39.340 --> 03:04:45.340
Yeah, I really think that you have to have strategies that you feel are foolproof. I mean, that's where it really came back to bite Dignitas yesterday.

03:04:45.340 --> 03:04:53.340
There's a couple of deaths. I remember that one at the very end of Denim Nalorak. It was just that 15 seconds, and 15 seconds tends to lose you a map in the end.

03:04:53.340 --> 03:04:58.420
It does but you know both of these teams big lucky. They're saying we can't afford any of that here

03:04:58.420 --> 03:04:59.420
We've got it even tighten up

03:04:59.420 --> 03:05:06.460
We have to come in here strong today and especially when their competition is as strong as they are liquid just continue to build

03:05:06.860 --> 03:05:10.260
Momentum over the season and for a newer team at least to the MDI

03:05:10.420 --> 03:05:13.260
They have some real fans here in the house

03:05:14.060 --> 03:05:19.460
Give us some info about this incredible team. I mean just listen to that crowd these guys are fan favors for sure

03:05:19.460 --> 03:05:21.580
Obviously home soil you got you got to give it to him for that

03:05:21.580 --> 03:05:24.620
but the players on the team, Bumi, Sevi, Yipz, Wolf Disco,

03:05:24.620 --> 03:05:25.380
has shined.

03:05:25.380 --> 03:05:26.780
These guys have been around in some capacity

03:05:26.780 --> 03:05:28.580
for the better part of the past five years,

03:05:28.580 --> 03:05:29.620
in their absolute beast.

03:05:29.620 --> 03:05:31.420
All of them, five-time back-to-back race

03:05:31.420 --> 03:05:32.540
for World First Champions.

03:05:32.540 --> 03:05:34.380
But they've never gotten that MGI title.

03:05:34.380 --> 03:05:35.540
Can I try something real quick?

03:05:35.540 --> 03:05:36.020
Let's hear it.

03:05:36.020 --> 03:05:39.220
If you are a Liquid fan, let me hear your cheer right now.

03:05:39.220 --> 03:05:39.720
Yeah.

03:05:39.720 --> 03:05:42.220
Yeah.

03:05:42.220 --> 03:05:45.020
This is hostile territory, I think, for Big Lucky.

03:05:45.020 --> 03:05:46.780
So yesterday, whenever they were actually

03:05:46.780 --> 03:05:49.020
able to take down mandatory, Yipz was on that stage

03:05:49.020 --> 03:05:51.340
with Aya, talking to her about the competition.

03:05:51.340 --> 03:05:52.500
He seemed fairly emotional.

03:05:52.500 --> 03:05:54.100
He looked like he was actually welling up

03:05:54.100 --> 03:05:55.460
at just the heat of the moment.

03:05:55.460 --> 03:05:57.220
How big this stage truly is.

03:05:57.220 --> 03:05:59.540
And then I talked to a shine back in the green room

03:05:59.540 --> 03:06:02.340
after he came off the stage and he was coming out hot.

03:06:02.340 --> 03:06:04.820
He basically has not won a tournament since 2018.

03:06:04.820 --> 03:06:06.100
He said, it's coming home.

03:06:06.100 --> 03:06:10.220
It's been so long, eight years since his last tournament win.

03:06:10.220 --> 03:06:12.300
He's ready to win BlizzCon here today.

03:06:12.300 --> 03:06:14.860
He wants this and the whole team does.

03:06:14.860 --> 03:06:16.900
You can feel it as they've come in,

03:06:16.900 --> 03:06:18.820
as they've put down every single run

03:06:18.820 --> 03:06:19.660
that we've seen them in.

03:06:19.660 --> 03:06:20.540
And I mean, Dragno's,

03:06:20.540 --> 03:06:22.300
Their performance has been pretty incredible.

03:06:22.300 --> 03:06:24.020
I think they are so well positioned for this.

03:06:24.020 --> 03:06:25.100
Look at their specs here.

03:06:25.100 --> 03:06:27.940
Look at the damage meter from these replays we have

03:06:27.940 --> 03:06:28.940
from yesterday.

03:06:28.940 --> 03:06:31.980
They were the only team to play that vengeance demon hunter,

03:06:31.980 --> 03:06:33.940
to play that demonology warlock,

03:06:33.940 --> 03:06:36.540
and they made it look like those were by far

03:06:36.540 --> 03:06:39.100
the best options this time around.

03:06:39.100 --> 03:06:41.380
Will that continue to hold up in the other dungeons though,

03:06:41.380 --> 03:06:42.540
because we are gonna be moving

03:06:42.540 --> 03:06:44.540
some very high keystone levels today.

03:06:44.540 --> 03:06:45.980
After they took down mandatory yesterday,

03:06:45.980 --> 03:06:47.660
Jinji tweeted out a tweet that said,

03:06:47.660 --> 03:06:50.200
GGs to Liquid, they had the best meta read.

03:06:50.200 --> 03:06:53.460
He believes that the composition that Liquid is running is the best on this patch.

03:06:53.460 --> 03:06:55.900
Interesting. Well, now, with what we've seen from Big Lucky,

03:06:55.900 --> 03:06:59.060
Zyra, do you think that they're running anything that could answer that?

03:06:59.060 --> 03:07:02.900
I'm not quite sure. The Mage, they've kind of stuck on for quite a while there.

03:07:02.900 --> 03:07:06.760
It's really good for particular bosses in the dungeons, particularly one with Damage Amps,

03:07:06.760 --> 03:07:09.040
but it's over all seems a little on the low side.

03:07:09.040 --> 03:07:13.040
Big Lucky was also notably the only team to change a spec

03:07:13.040 --> 03:07:15.640
in any of their dungeons that we've seen so far.

03:07:15.640 --> 03:07:19.980
So that might mean that the other Dungeons we haven't yet seen them in they might have something new for us

03:07:19.980 --> 03:07:23.900
It's like a holy fountain to me. Exactly. Holy Valley. I was cool. I love holy valley

03:07:23.900 --> 03:07:28.800
I mean look at one of the things we've even been talking about with all of the eSports competition across the week a weekend

03:07:28.880 --> 03:07:31.240
When you have regions coming together

03:07:31.520 --> 03:07:32.880
There are these differences

03:07:32.880 --> 03:07:37.920
There are things that might show up in one region that don't always show up in the others and the way that these teams have to

03:07:37.920 --> 03:07:43.400
Kind of meet that and answer that I think is a huge part of how they even approach a global competition like this

03:07:43.400 --> 03:07:49.840
But we're going to see these two showing down very soon, and we have to consider as well the dungeons will be going into

03:07:49.920 --> 03:07:54.220
We've got our first band coming out and tunnels. You don't seem very surprised by this

03:07:54.480 --> 03:07:58.960
I'm not super surprised by this. I think that that blinding veil on a 19

03:07:58.960 --> 03:08:04.120
I've talked to the competitors the two hardest dungeons murder row 18 blinding veil 19

03:08:04.120 --> 03:08:07.220
If there's ever a dungeon that we're going to see wipes or potentially even multiple wipes

03:08:07.240 --> 03:08:08.620
It's going to be that dungeon

03:08:08.620 --> 03:08:13.220
I was talking to big lucky prior to the series start and they described it as a high key push

03:08:13.400 --> 03:08:16.240
when they pull two packs at a time.

03:08:16.240 --> 03:08:18.480
I mean, look, when it's that tough,

03:08:18.480 --> 03:08:20.760
you want to see something like this come in as a big challenge,

03:08:20.760 --> 03:08:23.400
especially here to kick off the grand finals,

03:08:23.400 --> 03:08:25.320
because the stakes are going to be higher than ever.

03:08:25.320 --> 03:08:26.920
And those deaths do count, Ratnos.

03:08:26.920 --> 03:08:28.360
It's interesting as well, because yesterday,

03:08:28.360 --> 03:08:31.400
I believe Liquid banned out the Temple of Cetralis.

03:08:31.400 --> 03:08:33.880
But this time around, they chose not to ban that one.

03:08:33.880 --> 03:08:37.000
So I wonder if that's sometimes you see in an MDI.

03:08:37.000 --> 03:08:38.280
I don't know if this is something

03:08:38.280 --> 03:08:39.520
you'd ever do at BlizzCon.

03:08:39.520 --> 03:08:42.160
But sometimes what you do is you ban out something

03:08:42.160 --> 03:08:44.700
in an earlier series, not because you're scared of it,

03:08:44.700 --> 03:08:46.000
but because you have something incredible

03:08:46.000 --> 03:08:48.080
that you want to save for the Grand Finals.

03:08:48.080 --> 03:08:50.840
So maybe we've got something like that from Liquid here.

03:08:50.840 --> 03:08:51.960
Oh, now you've done it, Dratnose.

03:08:51.960 --> 03:08:52.800
Could be.

03:08:52.800 --> 03:08:53.640
Could be.

03:08:53.640 --> 03:08:54.480
I think we're excited about it.

03:08:54.480 --> 03:08:55.640
What are you going to rain us in, Tettle?

03:08:55.640 --> 03:08:57.160
I think Murder Rows is probably just

03:08:57.160 --> 03:08:58.880
their top tier band, because, again,

03:08:58.880 --> 03:09:00.440
that dungeon is extremely volatile.

03:09:00.440 --> 03:09:01.920
Whenever you go up, count, mount,

03:09:01.920 --> 03:09:04.560
and you have to get like 65% of your enemy forces.

03:09:04.560 --> 03:09:06.240
We did see Dignitas actually wipe to that pole

03:09:06.240 --> 03:09:07.400
at the very end of the dungeon yesterday.

03:09:07.400 --> 03:09:08.800
I think it's more just like trying

03:09:08.800 --> 03:09:10.760
to reduce volatility if you're Liquid.

03:09:10.760 --> 03:09:11.760
That being said.

03:09:11.760 --> 03:09:16.000
What you were saying about big lucky that leaves the door open for liquid if they have some fast strategy in that blending veil

03:09:16.560 --> 03:09:18.560
Big luck. He's only pulled two packs at a time

03:09:19.160 --> 03:09:21.320
Liquid can pull off their strat. They should be able to win

03:09:21.320 --> 03:09:23.160
I think it is hyperpolic about two thousand

03:09:23.160 --> 03:09:28.040
Okay, it's a plus 19 key. How much more can you pull in that dungeon three? Okay? All right

03:09:28.040 --> 03:09:33.200
So yeah, my mistake my mistake if there's any place to rise to the occasion and pull it off

03:09:33.200 --> 03:09:37.080
I mean this is the time and the place you have everything on the line

03:09:37.080 --> 03:09:44.880
You have blizzcon history in the making everybody give it up for some mythic plus speedrunning because we have a lot to look forward to

03:09:48.280 --> 03:09:52.560
The team I'm no doubt feeling that energy and we will be getting into it

03:09:52.560 --> 03:09:58.600
But we have to give some predictions before the teams take the sage because for all that we've been talking about these two

03:09:59.240 --> 03:10:01.240
Who's gonna win it?

03:10:01.880 --> 03:10:03.880
I will go

03:10:03.880 --> 03:10:08.880
3-0, Liquid.

03:10:08.880 --> 03:10:16.880
Liquid fans in the house approve of that title, so you've won their approval. Well done, you can remain a caster and represent.

03:10:16.880 --> 03:10:19.880
Dread knows how about you, where are you going?

03:10:19.880 --> 03:10:24.880
I don't think it's going to be a 3-0. I do think Liquid's going to win though. I'm going to go 3-1 for Team Liquid.

03:10:24.880 --> 03:10:28.880
I think the blinding veil, that's a big opportunity for Big Lucky though.

03:10:28.880 --> 03:10:29.880
Okay, alright, Zyro.

03:10:29.880 --> 03:10:34.880
I think you're dead on I think big lucky can definitely take a game, but from what the gameplay we saw yesterday

03:10:35.440 --> 03:10:37.880
Liquid just looks unstoppable. I'm going 31 liquid

03:10:39.960 --> 03:10:44.240
Okay, all right now liquid fans. I know you're here representing in full force although

03:10:44.240 --> 03:10:46.640
I know big lucky has fans out there as well around the world

03:10:46.880 --> 03:10:53.740
So I am going to apologize, but I'm not going to apologize. I will be the big lucky believer on this desk

03:10:53.740 --> 03:10:57.540
They have already totally changed our expectations.

03:10:57.540 --> 03:11:05.540
We never thought coming in that they would stand up to our two time reigning champions and take them down and they did it.

03:11:05.540 --> 03:11:11.940
If there's a time for them to rise and show that CN is back, that they can be BlizzCon winners, this is the time.

03:11:11.940 --> 03:11:15.740
So I'm going to say three to big lucky.

03:11:15.740 --> 03:11:18.140
All right, I stand by it. I stand by it.

03:11:18.140 --> 03:11:19.540
All right, controversial.

03:11:19.540 --> 03:11:38.540
I know, maybe, but so brave. And honestly, I think there's good evidence that big lucky really have shown that they have just continued to expand and grow in this competition. And that where some of their teams have stumbled, they've been able to still find opportunities to turn that into a victory. And especially with a fresh season like the Zyra, I think that can be a big advantage.

03:11:38.540 --> 03:11:48.540
That's really the overarching thing for this competition, right? Is that the Dungeons came out a month ago. And most of the players have been in the race to world first for three of those four weeks. So the practice has been minimal. They really haven't gotten to.

03:11:48.540 --> 03:11:51.740
really haven't gotten to hammer out their strategies, which is why we saw them yesterday

03:11:51.740 --> 03:11:53.700
from all the teams was still so impressive.

03:11:53.700 --> 03:11:56.340
I mean, it's going to be impressive either way.

03:11:56.340 --> 03:11:59.300
And honestly, we've got to welcome these teams on the stage.

03:11:59.300 --> 03:12:01.820
They have to run and we have a champion to crown.

03:12:01.820 --> 03:12:08.100
So we will be bringing them out here in just a moment, but everybody give it up.

03:12:08.100 --> 03:12:09.100
Here we go.

03:12:09.100 --> 03:12:10.620
bring our teams in on this stage

03:12:10.620 --> 03:12:12.700
and welcome them with a bunch of applause.

03:12:12.700 --> 03:12:17.700
All right, are you guys ready for our teams?

03:12:23.340 --> 03:12:25.580
Amazing, all right.

03:12:25.580 --> 03:12:29.580
Give it up for Team Liquid.

03:12:35.460 --> 03:12:38.380
Please give a warm welcome

03:12:38.380 --> 03:12:45.380
to Gumi, Yips, Ashae, Ex-Sepi, and Holt Disco!

03:12:57.380 --> 03:13:04.380
Alright, let's give a warm welcome as well to their opponents in the grand finals.

03:13:04.380 --> 03:13:06.380
Big Lucky!

03:13:08.380 --> 03:13:22.380
Please welcome Sean XCM Strawberry, Xiao Xiao, RJ, and Loda.

03:13:22.380 --> 03:13:30.380
Oh, I love this.

03:13:30.380 --> 03:13:32.380
We got a flag right here.

03:13:32.380 --> 03:13:33.380
Amazing.

03:13:33.380 --> 03:13:34.380
Amazing.

03:13:34.380 --> 03:13:35.380
I don't know if you guys see that.

03:13:35.380 --> 03:13:36.380
Awesome.

03:13:36.380 --> 03:13:50.380
Awesome. All right. Ruck back to you. Thank you so much. I we are very excited to see all of the fans from around the world for both of these two teams are finalists in the grand finals of the mythic dungeon international big lucky and liquid.

03:13:50.380 --> 03:13:59.380
I cannot wait to see these maps that we have ahead of us speedrunning at its finest and Dratnus. They are going to have to run faster than ever if they want to become a champion.

03:13:59.380 --> 03:14:05.980
Yeah, it's going to be all about maintaining a fast strategy while minimizing the potential for a full team wipe.

03:14:05.980 --> 03:14:10.280
Even a single one might lose you a dungeon and that might well lose you the series.

03:14:10.280 --> 03:14:13.380
It might and they don't want that because Tuttle's like we've been talking about.

03:14:13.380 --> 03:14:18.380
This is something that means so much to these two teams. This has been a long time in the making for them.

03:14:19.280 --> 03:14:24.380
It's the difference between $80,000. We have a $300,000 prize pool.

03:14:24.380 --> 03:14:26.880
The winner will get $150,000.

03:14:26.880 --> 03:14:30.420
The loser, unfortunately, will be getting a $70,000 prize pool.

03:14:30.420 --> 03:14:32.680
It's a huge deal, but also, more importantly,

03:14:32.680 --> 03:14:35.520
it's those trophies that you can see on stage right there.

03:14:35.520 --> 03:14:38.660
It's the chance to call yourself a BlizzCon champion.

03:14:38.660 --> 03:14:41.120
It's so infrequent that we are able to crown

03:14:41.120 --> 03:14:43.260
BlizzCon champions on the MDI stage.

03:14:43.260 --> 03:14:44.560
Very rarely happens.

03:14:44.560 --> 03:14:45.920
The fact that we are back at BlizzCon

03:14:45.920 --> 03:14:47.760
is a huge deal for these competitors.

03:14:47.760 --> 03:14:50.120
I mean, absolutely, because being together with the community,

03:14:50.120 --> 03:14:51.760
proving yourself in front of everyone,

03:14:51.760 --> 03:14:54.080
there is no feeling like it.

03:14:54.080 --> 03:14:56.220
and Zyro taking one of those trophies home.

03:14:56.220 --> 03:14:57.760
I mean, that's not just a memory,

03:14:57.760 --> 03:14:59.620
that's a legacy that you've made.

03:14:59.620 --> 03:15:02.000
Yeah, I mean, like Zettles was saying,

03:15:02.000 --> 03:15:05.000
we've only ever had one other in-person in BI

03:15:05.000 --> 03:15:06.300
and that was seven years ago,

03:15:06.300 --> 03:15:08.800
so it's crazy that we're finally back.

03:15:08.800 --> 03:15:10.480
Looks like the players are about ready to get in game though,

03:15:10.480 --> 03:15:11.300
Ruck.

03:15:11.300 --> 03:15:12.440
It does indeed, and everybody,

03:15:12.440 --> 03:15:15.080
the grand finals are about to start.

03:15:15.080 --> 03:15:19.240
Linding Vale is radiating its light upon our competitors,

03:15:19.240 --> 03:15:20.440
but they will have to stand up to it.

03:15:20.440 --> 03:15:22.440
It's one of the hardest dungeons we've seen

03:15:22.440 --> 03:15:27.560
this weekend, will they be able to challenge it and emerge victorious? This will be a big start for

03:15:27.560 --> 03:15:33.720
them in our best of five. Can Liquid come in and prove that they are not just strong in the race

03:15:33.720 --> 03:15:40.040
to world first? They are also MDI champions or can Big Lucky represent for CN and show that around

03:15:40.040 --> 03:15:44.680
the world they should be recognized for their skill? Zyro, this is it! Everybody give it up for the

03:15:44.680 --> 03:15:51.480
Mythic Dungeon International! And Trattonos, we are into the Blinding Vale 19. What a brutal key.

03:15:51.480 --> 03:15:57.760
Just for comparison for people that aren't aware on the live right now. The high-key pushers are only doing 21 strato

03:15:57.760 --> 03:16:02.360
Yeah, the fastest to plus 19 on the live servers is about 25 minutes

03:16:02.360 --> 03:16:07.220
So we will see how much faster our MDI competitors will be able to do it both teams

03:16:07.480 --> 03:16:12.440
Starting off strong with a large full bloodlust popped as well a little bit more count

03:16:12.440 --> 03:16:18.520
It looks like four big lucky has been gathered then for a little bit actually it's very much the same set of enemies here

03:16:18.520 --> 03:16:25.320
It's a pretty dangerous one big lucky are playing that holy ballad and again that we did see from them in the murder row yesterday

03:16:25.600 --> 03:16:30.800
Pretty cool option. Although the rest of Druid damage you can see is quite significant

03:16:30.920 --> 03:16:33.960
Yeah, I think it was Bryson that was saying anybody who doesn't play rest of you

03:16:33.960 --> 03:16:37.280
It is trolling but then Loda played holy ballad and then won his series

03:16:37.280 --> 03:16:39.720
So he's really trolling on the grand final stage

03:16:39.720 --> 03:16:42.960
I wonder if it's just more of a comfort pick because like they like you were saying earlier

03:16:42.960 --> 03:16:47.760
It's a high pick. They're just trying to play comfort probably you just they want to make as few mistakes as possible

03:16:47.760 --> 03:16:51.760
Zero deaths is a huge deal. That 15 seconds starts to add up a lot.

03:16:51.760 --> 03:16:57.760
Yeah, another difference I'm noticing here, we've got the full dwarf gang on the right-hand side there for Big Lucky.

03:16:57.760 --> 03:17:04.760
Whereas Liquid are playing, uh, they've got some night elves. Three night elves, two dwarves.

03:17:04.760 --> 03:17:07.760
Night elves potentially for the fixate on the dino?

03:17:07.760 --> 03:17:12.760
Could be, yes. We'll drop that. Yeah, I mean, there's a lot of stuff that you can stone form in here.

03:17:12.760 --> 03:17:17.260
You know, there's a lot of debuffs that can really mask you, and sometimes you'll have to see what the play is.

03:17:17.260 --> 03:17:19.760
The both of our teams go up for the same direction here.

03:17:19.760 --> 03:17:23.260
That's one of the interesting things about the draft blinding fail. You can either take a left or a right route.

03:17:23.260 --> 03:17:26.760
I think, pretty much, anybody not named a vague usually goes.

03:17:26.760 --> 03:17:31.260
I love going right for fun. People get very confused when you do that in your punk keys.

03:17:31.260 --> 03:17:34.760
But, big lucky getting in boss combat first here.

03:17:34.760 --> 03:17:37.760
An advantage for our Chinese competitors.

03:17:37.760 --> 03:17:44.560
And so, Liquid, really the star of their show has been Wolf Disco on that warlock, but for Big Lucky,

03:17:44.560 --> 03:17:48.260
the Rogue has often been on top of the damage meters at the end of the day.

03:17:48.260 --> 03:17:54.560
It's actually shunned on the Blood DK, popping over a million DPS as the tank there for Big Lucky.

03:17:54.560 --> 03:17:58.860
And that Blood DK burst is absolutely insane, but again, yesterday, Yip's on the vengeance,

03:17:58.860 --> 03:18:03.560
even Hunter was consistently out DPSing his Blood DK competition on the vengeance.

03:18:03.560 --> 03:18:07.660
so we'll have to see he's able to match that when they do get in combat with the council in a moment.

03:18:07.660 --> 03:18:13.960
But you can see here, Liquid has opted to pull a significantly higher amount of trash in this first section of the dungeon.

03:18:13.960 --> 03:18:19.060
Big Lucky only had 25% count with a little bit of trash on top of the boss, so they'll get a few more than that.

03:18:19.060 --> 03:18:22.360
But Liquid might be close to 50% by the time they start pulling the boss.

03:18:22.360 --> 03:18:25.960
This might mean that they'll be able to skip some more of the very end of the dungeon trash,

03:18:25.960 --> 03:18:31.760
which can be fairly lethal, or maybe there'll be something in the middle that Big Lucky will find instead.

03:18:31.760 --> 03:18:39.880
Maybe after that dinosaur boss. I don't know either way liquid now in boss combat as well about 30% HP behind

03:18:40.040 --> 03:18:44.480
But they have some offensive cooldowns coming up soon to try and equalize things

03:18:44.480 --> 03:18:49.480
Yeah, keep an eye on that demonic tyrant cooldown for Wolf's disco when that comes off cooldown for the next 25 seconds

03:18:49.480 --> 03:18:52.280
He will start to catapult to the top of the meters and once again

03:18:52.440 --> 03:18:55.520
Even though you've stood enough the same burst that shunned it on the blood VK

03:18:55.680 --> 03:19:00.200
He's holding pretty steady at a cool 400k right now. Yeah the consistent DPS

03:19:00.200 --> 03:19:07.600
It is from burst windows, but you get so many of them over the course of these fights as a vengeance demon hunter that your overall

03:19:07.600 --> 03:19:13.680
Damage becomes very impressive as well. One thing we were talking about as well a lot yesterday that it might be worth

03:19:14.200 --> 03:19:20.440
Revisiting for anybody who's just joining us for the grand finals is the rogues. Why we are seeing so many teams

03:19:20.880 --> 03:19:25.400
Opting for the assassination road. It's not just that overall damage that you're seeing there

03:19:25.400 --> 03:19:29.400
So much of the damage that they get to deal is to those priority targets.

03:19:29.400 --> 03:19:35.400
Whenever you have extra enemies nearby, you get bonus damage onto your main target for assassination rogues.

03:19:35.400 --> 03:19:38.400
So really, really valuable damage profile this season.

03:19:38.400 --> 03:19:43.400
Yeah, there's a lot of those targets in this dungeon as well, but it kind of seems like we lucky skipped past a lot of them.

03:19:43.400 --> 03:19:49.400
In that first area, there's the Hydras or the Grow Keepers. Of course, there's that mini boss that spawns after you kill the third boss off.

03:19:49.400 --> 03:19:53.400
The rogues are going to be vital to kill those off, and that's also something the Arcane mage has been at.

03:19:53.400 --> 03:19:56.520
pinmage is good at. Their funnel isn't as strong as it was maybe perhaps back in

03:19:56.520 --> 03:19:58.880
war within season two but they still have a little bit of funnel on the

03:19:58.880 --> 03:20:02.200
garage. We'll have to see if that's gonna help them kill out that many boss a

03:20:02.200 --> 03:20:06.000
little bit faster here. You can see though pulling the boss early they've been

03:20:06.000 --> 03:20:09.720
staying ahead 30% on the boss this entire time. Can't be paced on the boss damage

03:20:09.720 --> 03:20:13.680
which is where Liquid was strong yesterday. That lead is indeed holding it steady for

03:20:13.680 --> 03:20:18.520
big lucky Liquid putting up competitive boss damage but one problem for Team

03:20:18.520 --> 03:20:22.640
Liquid is we talked about the road benefiting from these extra targets. The

03:20:22.640 --> 03:20:26.740
Warlock just kills off all your extra targets before you get to farm them for too much damage

03:20:26.740 --> 03:20:32.060
So it's a little bit parasitic the relationship between the demo lock and the assassination road

03:20:32.060 --> 03:20:35.100
It's not their fault man. They can't help it. Just they just press buttons and things around their target

03:20:35.100 --> 03:20:37.100
Exactly, exactly. Nothing you can do about it

03:20:37.880 --> 03:20:41.920
Either way the overall damage is capable of putting out in the fact that it's a one-minute pull-down class

03:20:41.920 --> 03:20:45.600
That's that's the key for the beat. It's so flexible. Just always have damage for every single pull

03:20:45.600 --> 03:20:48.820
There's nothing that they're doing damage. First boss goes down for big lucky here

03:20:48.820 --> 03:20:52.240
Let's see what the next pull is on the 19 key level

03:20:52.240 --> 03:20:56.500
Are they going to be capable of pulling all of this trash on top of the next boss?

03:20:56.500 --> 03:20:59.440
Shut is moving ahead. Looks like that might be the play.

03:20:59.440 --> 03:21:03.740
This is the MDI strategy. Trash on top of bosses, they're going to be going for it.

03:21:03.740 --> 03:21:07.740
This is very dangerous. Whenever you pull these two packs on the bridge,

03:21:07.740 --> 03:21:12.240
if you pull them around the same time, they both cast their abilities at the same time as well.

03:21:12.240 --> 03:21:14.240
So things can start getting very lethal.

03:21:14.240 --> 03:21:20.240
Big lucky getting into boss combat right now, and they're going to have to contend with the boss mechanics as well here.

03:21:20.240 --> 03:21:24.720
knockback, a little bit dangerous as well, but looks like they've got things timed pretty well,

03:21:24.720 --> 03:21:28.560
and there's one very important interrupt to make sure that they get here. You can see they've got

03:21:28.560 --> 03:21:35.120
a triangle marker, I think. Oh no, it's the diamond marker on that dysaurion cast they need to interrupt.

03:21:35.120 --> 03:21:38.320
Yeah, the big deal with this boss is the roots, right? Every time those roots come out,

03:21:38.320 --> 03:21:42.160
you either need to DPS them down or hide them away. I get pretty much every single person in

03:21:42.160 --> 03:21:45.600
both of these comps has a way to break the roots every single time, right? I'm actually a little

03:21:45.600 --> 03:21:49.680
worried about Wolf Disco on the Warlock Demonic teleport. The circle that you can break roots with

03:21:49.680 --> 03:21:53.120
is actually a little bit too long sometimes to get every single cast

03:21:53.120 --> 03:21:56.000
sequence. You usually need an evoker buff to get that, so maybe he'll have to stand

03:21:56.000 --> 03:22:00.000
under the boss to break out those roots, but with their top it should be pretty

03:22:00.000 --> 03:22:03.040
easy to break those roots out. Yeah, big lucky one of the nice things that Holy

03:22:03.040 --> 03:22:06.560
Paladin does is give you blessing of freedom, which gives not just you, but

03:22:06.560 --> 03:22:10.960
one of your friends as well, a very easy way to break those roots, but liquid

03:22:10.960 --> 03:22:14.960
getting into boss combat now as well. You can see at the bottom of the screen

03:22:14.960 --> 03:22:18.960
liquid a little bit less than a minute behind, but at the top of the screen,

03:22:18.960 --> 03:22:22.960
I've got about 10% more count and they'll be gathering even more here onto this boss.

03:22:22.960 --> 03:22:28.960
I mean, that's the same pull for both of our teams going for that crazy pull on this 19E level into the boss.

03:22:28.960 --> 03:22:34.960
Any bad overlaps of Erkestan from the boss with any of the AOE from the Trash Day pull could instantly bring them incredibly low,

03:22:34.960 --> 03:22:38.960
potentially even one shot a player. You have to look at the cooldowns available for them across the board.

03:22:38.960 --> 03:22:40.960
Ipsu's already blocked the last resort, but I think he doesn't have his cheat net.

03:22:40.960 --> 03:22:44.960
Whereas over on the side of Big Lucky, they pretty much have all those full, it's available to them still.

03:22:44.960 --> 03:22:48.960
Yeah, that was actually a worrying thing here for Yipz, that last resort on cooldown.

03:22:48.960 --> 03:22:51.960
I think something that didn't proc for him at all yesterday,

03:22:51.960 --> 03:22:56.960
but now today it is not going to be available, and last resort, it's an 8 minute cooldown,

03:22:56.960 --> 03:23:00.960
so very long time that Yipz won't have that safety net available.

03:23:00.960 --> 03:23:06.960
I have to see if it's going to be an issue for them, as Big Lucky is still holding steady at about that same 30% boss HP.

03:23:06.960 --> 03:23:09.960
Here they've dealt with all of the trash they pulled on top of the boss as well.

03:23:09.960 --> 03:23:12.560
that those things that the Rogue is not going to be getting as much funnel,

03:23:12.560 --> 03:23:14.680
and you can really see on the damage meters that starting to show for them

03:23:14.680 --> 03:23:19.400
is Boomi is doing about 200k more DPS on this boss, 300k actually.

03:23:19.400 --> 03:23:23.040
They're letting those adds stay alive for a very long time for funnel damage here.

03:23:23.040 --> 03:23:26.360
Yeah, the last couple of enemies going down for Liquid in just a second,

03:23:26.360 --> 03:23:31.120
we'll be able to see exactly how much of an enemy force's advantage they have.

03:23:31.120 --> 03:23:35.080
It is 14% count in favor of Team Liquid,

03:23:35.080 --> 03:23:39.080
whereas 30% of the boss help in favor of Big Lucky.

03:23:39.080 --> 03:23:43.080
I'm not sure which of those is better. My instinct is that Big Lucky have the better side of it.

03:23:43.080 --> 03:23:46.080
Yeah, I mean, looking at the week the rest of the dungeon works,

03:23:46.080 --> 03:23:52.080
and of course we didn't see this dungeon yesterday, so we don't have any previous information as to what teams would do in a WMBI-style pull of this dungeon.

03:23:52.080 --> 03:23:57.080
You can pull so much trash with that third boss. You can pull so much trash with that fourth boss if you dare to.

03:23:57.080 --> 03:23:59.080
Let's see what Big Lucky's plan is.

03:23:59.080 --> 03:24:00.080
Oh, slow fall! Here we go!

03:24:00.080 --> 03:24:04.080
They actually slow fall down with the mage. That's something Liquid is not going to be able to do.

03:24:04.080 --> 03:24:08.080
Yeah, very cool. A little bit of mage utility there for Big Lucky.

03:24:08.080 --> 03:24:21.080
a beautiful landing into the Shroud of Concealment as well, the combo from Big Lucky, and that's going to let them move right past this annoying and dangerous and very hard to gather pack that lives at the top of the bridge there.

03:24:21.080 --> 03:24:28.080
Getting in combat downstairs and I would not be surprised if this entire platform is going to get pulled here with the Druid boss.

03:24:28.080 --> 03:24:33.080
Right into Light Ward and Rula here. The big thing about that Shroud, they skipped the burn, right? That burn with its screech cast.

03:24:33.080 --> 03:24:36.380
If that goes off, everyone's disoriented, that easily wipes the group.

03:24:36.380 --> 03:24:39.080
You're taking disoriented, use the boss to pretty much attack anyone,

03:24:39.080 --> 03:24:41.180
and that can result in very, very quick deaths.

03:24:41.180 --> 03:24:44.180
That was actually a lot of our deaths yesterday with healers going down to mobs.

03:24:44.180 --> 03:24:47.180
When the boss, when they were pulling the boss and getting everything gathered up.

03:24:47.180 --> 03:24:49.880
So it's good that they don't have that in the pack to contend with.

03:24:49.880 --> 03:24:52.280
Liquid starting to deal with the dino on their side.

03:24:52.280 --> 03:24:53.980
That's the second boss going down for them.

03:24:53.980 --> 03:24:57.180
When you can see in terms of dungeon progression, they're almost a minute behind right now.

03:24:57.180 --> 03:24:59.880
Yeah, they actually lost some time on that second boss split,

03:24:59.880 --> 03:25:02.780
but they're gonna jump down as well. No slow fall, no problem.

03:25:02.780 --> 03:25:06.980
We've got Wolf Disco on the back of the seven there on the travel form druid

03:25:06.980 --> 03:25:12.060
So liquid have also found a way down without having to wait for that flight path

03:25:12.700 --> 03:25:19.820
Will the 14% count make up for the minute in dungeon progression difference right now liquid going for a shred of their own also

03:25:19.820 --> 03:25:24.100
Skipping past that bird that I was talking about earlier. They already have a ton of counts

03:25:24.100 --> 03:25:28.860
They don't need to pull as much trash on top of the boss and you can see they're actually going for the safer side of trash

03:25:28.860 --> 03:25:33.340
They don't have that nasty mob on top of the boss that Big Lucky has to keep up.

03:25:33.340 --> 03:25:35.500
Yeah, Big Lucky has basically the whole platform in it.

03:25:35.500 --> 03:25:38.300
It does look like Liquid might be grabbing some of that in later,

03:25:38.300 --> 03:25:39.780
but we'll have to see how that works out.

03:25:39.780 --> 03:25:43.620
Meanwhile, Big Lucky's Shun's Perg now has been popped as well.

03:25:43.620 --> 03:25:45.060
Dropping super low there.

03:25:45.060 --> 03:25:48.180
Activates the Vampiric Bloodbow with the Rune Weapon rolling too.

03:25:48.180 --> 03:25:49.740
So he should be okay for a time,

03:25:49.740 --> 03:25:52.540
but I'm starting to get a little bit worried here about Big Lucky's health bars.

03:25:52.540 --> 03:25:54.940
This trash has been alive for a very long time.

03:25:54.940 --> 03:25:58.020
The boss is now inside that pulverizing Strikes combo,

03:25:58.020 --> 03:26:02.800
So they're going to have to spread out, and if anybody overlaps this, it could be very lethal for Big Lucky.

03:26:02.800 --> 03:26:08.460
Stoneform is lighting up across the board for Big Lucky to get rid of those initial bleeds from the boss's abilities here,

03:26:08.460 --> 03:26:10.860
but the next time that comes out, they're not going to have any of those available.

03:26:10.860 --> 03:26:11.360
There it is.

03:26:11.360 --> 03:26:13.580
There's the next one, so Lotus would have to do a ton of damage.

03:26:13.580 --> 03:26:17.160
Bubbles himself to get rid of his own bleeds, so it doesn't have to worry about that, but he still has to heal up.

03:26:17.580 --> 03:26:19.820
Actually, no. It was close. They didn't block, so they're good.

03:26:19.820 --> 03:26:24.060
All of those bleeds are gone once again, and they're able to just sit here and freely DPS the boss down.

03:26:24.060 --> 03:26:26.180
This Saptre is being annoying, though, jumping out.

03:26:26.180 --> 03:26:31.180
Yeah, no Ursel's Vortex available, but Deathgrip does bring it back under the boss.

03:26:31.180 --> 03:26:33.180
Oh, and now it's going to start channeling the spirits of the veil.

03:26:33.180 --> 03:26:37.180
And this is a little bit unfortunate because it is inside those light puddles.

03:26:37.180 --> 03:26:46.180
So it's going to be a little bit tricky to have some good space to DBS it down and down goes XCM there to the Grievous Thrash.

03:26:46.180 --> 03:26:48.180
That is the first death for Big Lucky.

03:26:48.180 --> 03:26:51.180
BattleRest is available. It's been cast. When will it be accepted?

03:26:51.180 --> 03:26:59.160
Okay, so 15 seconds of death timer advantage now in favor of liquid big lucky still with the lead in terms of dungeon progression

03:26:59.600 --> 03:27:05.560
Still with a boss health lead as well, but they are down now an enemy forces by about 10%

03:27:06.060 --> 03:27:09.180
We had an invisible there on the frontal there canceling it on the mage

03:27:09.180 --> 03:27:14.880
They didn't have to deal with as much of the damage as they otherwise would have in the meantime liquid has started to make up ground

03:27:15.020 --> 03:27:18.820
First boss, they were behind 30% second boss there behind 30% now

03:27:18.820 --> 03:27:22.980
I'm starting to close the gap a little bit 25% on this boss the death from the road certainly was helping

03:27:22.980 --> 03:27:25.260
I think it might have actually been on the death are pulled out as well

03:27:25.260 --> 03:27:32.040
So even worse for big lucky here and really the trash count differential has not been closed up that much big lucky

03:27:32.040 --> 03:27:36.660
Maybe pulled three or four percent extra trash here, but where is that extra 9% trash gonna come from?

03:27:36.660 --> 03:27:43.580
Yeah, like we could easily grab some of these flying insects onto the end of the boss if they wanted to still a scepter in

03:27:43.580 --> 03:27:47.900
Combat for them as well doing its thing, but big lucky get the boss down

03:27:47.900 --> 03:27:52.100
one death, but the boss is still down first for them.

03:27:52.100 --> 03:27:54.300
They've got Shradd of Concealment back up

03:27:54.300 --> 03:27:56.900
and are now leaving the exact same way they came.

03:27:56.900 --> 03:27:58.900
Let's see how they attack the end of the dungeon here.

03:27:58.900 --> 03:28:01.900
They're actually going to grab that pack that they skipped fast twice.

03:28:01.900 --> 03:28:06.900
Grabbing the big patrol as well, and there is the Potatoed Matriarch.

03:28:06.900 --> 03:28:09.900
One of the most iconic mobs of the Blinding Vale.

03:28:09.900 --> 03:28:13.900
It's worth so much count as well. It's almost impossible not to play it.

03:28:13.900 --> 03:28:15.900
It's almost like that when they made that pot fix. They're like, you know what?

03:28:15.900 --> 03:28:16.900
Yeah, you're playing this pot.

03:28:16.900 --> 03:28:22.180
You've got to pull this mob. We're increasing the count, but we're actually all the acid adding all of that count to the potato

03:28:22.180 --> 03:28:26.180
So here we go massive pull here for them. They actually get that burden from the pek that they skipped earlier

03:28:26.180 --> 03:28:30.180
Do you think that was on purpose? It looks like it was yeah, I saw them turn around and hit it with a death's caress

03:28:30.180 --> 03:28:33.300
I think so everything now gathered up here for big lucky

03:28:33.300 --> 03:28:39.140
They've got a nice little spot here over by this hill that's allowed them to gather all the enemies and spawn those potato eggs

03:28:39.220 --> 03:28:42.660
Nice and close meanwhile team liquid skipping out with a sigil misery

03:28:42.660 --> 03:28:47.000
So they are in combat with that pack it might come later although we see Mel now activating for gifts

03:28:47.000 --> 03:28:50.680
So that will drop combat in theory it looks like they're still in combat back there though

03:28:50.680 --> 03:28:54.120
I think this skip maybe went to Ryan look they're all disoriented

03:28:54.120 --> 03:28:59.580
Oh, no have that historian cast going off to set me in combat there with enemies that I don't think they planned to be in

03:28:59.580 --> 03:29:04.840
Come down he goes to that thorn maw is able to release here

03:29:04.840 --> 03:29:08.800
So this isn't gonna cost the actually I think they did use that beer as maybe a soul stone

03:29:08.800 --> 03:29:12.880
pre-placed on him but the Varks get rolling to try and recover this but I

03:29:12.880 --> 03:29:17.040
don't think Liquid plans to pull all of these enemies. This looks like it was

03:29:17.040 --> 03:29:20.080
completely unintended that Screech going off in disorienting and that was the

03:29:20.080 --> 03:29:23.040
worst-case scenario now they're tied up on the death counter they don't have

03:29:23.040 --> 03:29:26.280
that 15 second advantage meanwhile big lucky their pulls going swimmingly no

03:29:26.280 --> 03:29:29.560
mistakes for them whatsoever Liquid now have to do a massive pull of their own

03:29:29.560 --> 03:29:33.600
and Dratnos we already identified they already pulled more trash if this

03:29:33.600 --> 03:29:36.840
gets them to 100% what are they gonna do for the rest of the dungeon they

03:29:36.840 --> 03:29:41.840
They already have a plan for what they're going to do with the rest of the dungeon, with the rest of their pulls.

03:29:41.840 --> 03:29:44.840
Are they going to be able to cut something in a good way?

03:29:44.840 --> 03:29:48.840
Probably not, because if there was, they would have already just been pulling this pack as part of the plan.

03:29:48.840 --> 03:29:51.840
So I don't think this is good news at all for Team Liquid.

03:29:51.840 --> 03:29:53.840
Meanwhile, big lucky, I finished off this pull.

03:29:53.840 --> 03:29:58.840
The Windrush totem on top of the mountain, giving them a little bit of a speed boost, and then relocated forward.

03:29:58.840 --> 03:30:02.840
They're taking one of these thorn maws and heading over to this left-hand pole here.

03:30:02.840 --> 03:30:09.100
So we have a couple of casters these radiant spell sores that they do need to interrupt especially on their volleys and bring them forward

03:30:09.100 --> 03:30:12.700
They've now gone in to one of the big tree guys as well

03:30:12.700 --> 03:30:16.520
Are they gonna take this directly into boss is ready draknos?

03:30:16.520 --> 03:30:20.820
I think this is going to be a boss pull with all of this trash all of these last years

03:30:20.820 --> 03:30:26.600
They've got a behemoth in there have to keep an eye on shun. Is he going to need that purgatory here?

03:30:26.960 --> 03:30:31.700
Lost his popped and the cooldowns are available across the board lighting up on the cooldown managers

03:30:31.700 --> 03:30:33.500
It looks like Perg is back available as well.

03:30:33.500 --> 03:30:36.500
So one of the big failure points for Big Lucky being a tank death

03:30:36.500 --> 03:30:40.500
is much less likely as long as that purgatory does still exist.

03:30:40.500 --> 03:30:43.800
Shun, rolling between those defensive cooldowns beautifully here.

03:30:43.800 --> 03:30:45.300
And this pack with Bloodlust,

03:30:45.300 --> 03:30:49.100
it's actually such a nice cooldown defensively for these Sand Lane,

03:30:49.100 --> 03:30:51.000
Blood Decays, the Icebound Fortitude.

03:30:51.000 --> 03:30:54.400
Up next, everybody trying to keep these cooldowns rolling

03:30:54.400 --> 03:30:57.500
just a little while longer until the trash starts to die

03:30:57.500 --> 03:30:59.000
and the danger goes away.

03:30:59.000 --> 03:31:00.640
They shun, dropping super low again,

03:31:00.640 --> 03:31:01.600
but Death Strikes back to full.

03:31:01.600 --> 03:31:03.080
Meanwhile, over on the side of Team Liquid,

03:31:03.080 --> 03:31:05.840
we're going to see Cheat Death taken once again from Bumi

03:31:05.840 --> 03:31:07.640
here, just as it came off cooldown.

03:31:07.640 --> 03:31:08.640
Gets activated.

03:31:08.640 --> 03:31:11.360
Once more, but Xer down for Big Lucky.

03:31:11.360 --> 03:31:13.240
That's going to be their second and final battle

03:31:13.240 --> 03:31:15.920
res of the dungeon used to bring him back here.

03:31:15.920 --> 03:31:19.360
Any further deaths for Big Lucky would probably

03:31:19.360 --> 03:31:21.000
mean a loss for them.

03:31:21.000 --> 03:31:22.160
Time and time again, though.

03:31:22.160 --> 03:31:25.040
Yesterday, Liquid proved they had a ton of boss damage.

03:31:25.040 --> 03:31:27.960
Big Lucky, though, already with the boss down to 50%,

03:31:27.960 --> 03:31:30.200
Another set of damage buffs coming in from those orbs.

03:31:30.200 --> 03:31:31.800
They need to make sure none of those hit the boss.

03:31:31.800 --> 03:31:34.480
Otherwise, it'll start pulsing for AoE damage on the group.

03:31:34.480 --> 03:31:36.560
Looks like they've started to clear them up.

03:31:36.560 --> 03:31:38.640
There's still a couple more that they could extend if they want.

03:31:38.640 --> 03:31:39.640
Rogue grabbing a couple of them.

03:31:39.640 --> 03:31:42.680
Shun taking the last one with the AMZ, or AMS, rather.

03:31:42.680 --> 03:31:44.760
Looks like they're going to be good.

03:31:44.760 --> 03:31:46.720
Big Lucky might be running away with this.

03:31:46.720 --> 03:31:48.960
To motion order down now, a lot of Defensives

03:31:48.960 --> 03:31:51.520
are starting to be exhausted by Big Lucky,

03:31:51.520 --> 03:31:54.680
but we're getting back now to a second round of offensive

03:31:54.680 --> 03:32:00.520
cool down soon here another arcane surge available in a moment shun back inside that

03:32:00.520 --> 03:32:06.600
vimperate blood but boomy down four team liquid that's going to be their second and final battle

03:32:06.600 --> 03:32:11.480
res as well as you can see look how much count they're fighting they have 98 percent count

03:32:11.480 --> 03:32:15.960
and they're in combat with another 16 percent here they haven't even pulled the boss yet big

03:32:15.960 --> 03:32:20.760
look he has the boss at 25 percent all they have to do is kill off this last set of lashers make

03:32:20.760 --> 03:32:24.440
sure these orbs don't hit the boss and they might be on the version of upsetting liquid in the

03:32:24.440 --> 03:32:31.440
Just 20% left on the boss separating Big Lucky from a 1-0 lead in this series.

03:32:31.440 --> 03:32:37.440
All of the trash has been taken care of. Just a few final cycles of mechanics to contend with.

03:32:37.440 --> 03:32:42.440
But with purgatory still available, I think this is going Big Lucky's way.

03:32:42.440 --> 03:32:49.440
The final life beam comes out and the boss is gonna go down. It is a 1-0 lead for Big Lucky.

03:32:49.440 --> 03:32:57.440
There it is! Big Lucky have had some big upsets this weekend here in the grand finals.

03:32:57.440 --> 03:33:05.440
And even with those sets, they have come in strong here at the start in one of our hardest dungeons of the weekend.

03:33:05.440 --> 03:33:09.440
I mean, there was so much at play in this one, and I cannot wait to break it down,

03:33:09.440 --> 03:33:13.440
but we had this discussion, Timer versus Count, Progression versus that early planning.

03:33:13.440 --> 03:33:19.440
planning. Trattnos, what do you think ultimately made Big Lucky more effective in their approach?

03:33:19.440 --> 03:33:24.400
I think the failed skip for Liquid when they were trying to get back from that third boss room,

03:33:24.400 --> 03:33:27.920
I don't think they intended to grab all those enemies there. I think they were trying to

03:33:27.920 --> 03:33:31.920
Shadow Melt skip them, and I think they got some healer combat that was not intended,

03:33:31.920 --> 03:33:37.200
and that really was the nail in the coffin for Team Liquid. But Big Lucky, like I was saying at

03:33:37.200 --> 03:33:41.840
the start of the series, I think the higher Keystone level of this Blinding Vale really played to

03:33:41.840 --> 03:33:47.640
to that team's advantage. I mean, it's absolutely a huge part of it. That dungeon is so brutal.

03:33:47.640 --> 03:33:51.040
And I mean, we'll be looking at it at Tettles in more detail with you, but that's a hard

03:33:51.040 --> 03:33:55.380
one for them to tackle. How do you think they approached it? It's interesting. I talked

03:33:55.380 --> 03:34:00.360
to both Sean and Loda earlier, and they said if they were able to win the Blinding Vale,

03:34:00.360 --> 03:34:03.320
they thought that they would have a chance in the series. They said that they had to

03:34:03.320 --> 03:34:09.120
be able to win map one. Well, they did indeed. And they've taken it, Tettles. Give us more

03:34:09.120 --> 03:34:10.960
and fights on the map as we saw it.

03:34:10.960 --> 03:34:13.160
Yeah, so the first pull, it was actually kind of interesting.

03:34:13.160 --> 03:34:14.840
It's exactly as you described it earlier, Rook.

03:34:14.840 --> 03:34:18.080
It's that difference between would you rather have 15% count

03:34:18.080 --> 03:34:19.840
or would you rather have 50 seconds?

03:34:19.840 --> 03:34:21.640
And that was kind of the interesting takeaway

03:34:21.640 --> 03:34:23.240
from the very beginning where Liquid did

03:34:23.240 --> 03:34:24.720
an additional pull in the beginning.

03:34:24.720 --> 03:34:26.520
But on the right side, you can see, big lucky,

03:34:26.520 --> 03:34:28.920
they're getting their bosses pulled earlier.

03:34:28.920 --> 03:34:31.440
They've actually more further progressed the dungeon.

03:34:31.440 --> 03:34:33.480
And historically, whenever you look at the NDI,

03:34:33.480 --> 03:34:36.080
you would rather be the team that has further progression

03:34:36.080 --> 03:34:37.840
inside of the dungeon, as opposed to the team

03:34:37.840 --> 03:34:41.440
that has 15% enemy forces, it's a lot easier to get count, especially on top of the bosses.

03:34:41.440 --> 03:34:45.280
And so something that I was looking at whenever we were doing a replay is how much trash is

03:34:45.280 --> 03:34:49.200
Big Lucky going to be able to get pulled onto these bosses, and particularly that second

03:34:49.200 --> 03:34:53.040
and that third boss. I really also like these skips from both of these teams whenever I first

03:34:53.040 --> 03:34:59.680
talked to Big Lucky, I was like, ooh, this is fancy. They do a nice slow fall into a shroud skip,

03:34:59.680 --> 03:35:02.400
but then it looks like it was maybe a little bit faster for like, what does it just like

03:35:02.400 --> 03:35:07.280
fell down and they just signed the shroud themselves. So it ended up being pretty net neutral.

03:35:07.280 --> 03:35:10.460
And I thought that this death from XCM on this third boss,

03:35:10.460 --> 03:35:12.520
I thought that that was going to be a pivotal moment in the dungeon.

03:35:12.520 --> 03:35:15.620
He gets hit with the AoE, then he gets hit with the Grievous Thrash.

03:35:15.620 --> 03:35:17.120
It ends up taking him out.

03:35:17.120 --> 03:35:19.740
We've seen this weekend a couple of deaths,

03:35:19.740 --> 03:35:22.740
actually being some of the most pivotal points in all of the dungeons,

03:35:22.740 --> 03:35:27.580
where it's a 1 15-second death, cost Dignitas their series yesterday.

03:35:27.580 --> 03:35:29.240
I was wondering if that was going to happen to Big Lucky,

03:35:29.240 --> 03:35:33.140
but unfortunately, after this second boss, after Light Warden,

03:35:33.140 --> 03:35:35.780
there was a little bit of an incident,

03:35:35.780 --> 03:35:39.540
Let's say with a sigil of misery skip. So Dranas you said that you thought it was healer aggro

03:35:39.540 --> 03:35:42.580
I think that seems pretty reasonable to me, but it also maybe looked like one of the

03:35:43.140 --> 03:35:46.660
Raptors didn't get caught in that sigil of misery. It got broken out early

03:35:47.380 --> 03:35:49.380
And then once that leaps to a target

03:35:49.700 --> 03:35:54.740
Wolf disco has a hard time of actually being able to like position himself in a way that he can get away from that mob because

03:35:54.900 --> 03:35:57.220
Of course wolf disco is on that door. So look at the packet

03:35:57.460 --> 03:36:02.100
It was caught in sigil misery and somehow one of these raptors gets out. Oh, there it is

03:36:02.100 --> 03:36:07.180
Wolf Disco in a shine, you know, they can't be night elves and it's like, uh, well, what do we do?

03:36:07.180 --> 03:36:10.860
We're in combat with the entire pack and then they end up pulling so much additional count now

03:36:10.860 --> 03:36:17.100
So he doesn't have dying to this grievous gash, but their their entire strategy is completely wrong here at the same time

03:36:17.100 --> 03:36:23.100
I think that big lucky's route was just faster taking all of that trash into the final boss here pulling it on top of the boss

03:36:23.100 --> 03:36:25.100
And just being able to AoE it down

03:36:25.700 --> 03:36:28.620
Okay, ignore the second up. It's okay. We didn't need it

03:36:28.620 --> 03:36:33.940
You know what that was a second battle as it's fine, but big lucky you're now up 1-0 in the grand finals here

03:36:33.940 --> 03:36:38.440
Which is absolutely remarkable. I mean it is when we came into season one

03:36:38.440 --> 03:36:44.300
We wouldn't have expected just how far they would climb but big lucky this whole year have been rising to this moment

03:36:44.460 --> 03:36:50.680
To be ready for the grand finals and honestly while big lucky were arguably the underdog coming into this

03:36:50.820 --> 03:36:54.780
Zyro this seems a lot closer than you might expect. Yeah, it was incredibly close

03:36:54.780 --> 03:36:58.160
I mean the question that we've been talking about this is an MDI staple

03:36:58.160 --> 03:37:01.260
It's would you rather a progression would you rather I've count and I think time and time again

03:37:01.300 --> 03:37:07.660
We always all say we'd rather have the progression and they lucky walked away with it. They got the progression, but we're done with the high keys

03:37:07.660 --> 03:37:11.780
Let's get back to the MDI speed running here in this next dungeon. I think is pivotal

03:37:11.820 --> 03:37:14.300
We saw both of the teams were on this dungeon yesterday

03:37:14.300 --> 03:37:18.300
They were within 10 seconds of each other on their timers within one death time

03:37:18.340 --> 03:37:23.260
Yeah, crucially liquid were they were so fast in this dungeon and they lost by a death, right?

03:37:23.260 --> 03:37:28.900
So I think liquid have a very very fast plan for the den of Nalirak

03:37:28.900 --> 03:37:29.460
I mean

03:37:29.460 --> 03:37:35.200
I'm sure they want to get that next point on the board right because if you can even it out here then it doesn't feel like there's

03:37:35.200 --> 03:37:39.380
Too much of an advantage going either way, but if you have that first win titles

03:37:39.380 --> 03:37:42.060
It already starts to give you some of that momentum moving ahead

03:37:42.780 --> 03:37:46.260
Momentum is kind of a funny thing because it's always like a concept that we talk about

03:37:46.260 --> 03:37:50.540
But it's hard to really tell how much it matters especially whenever you're playing in front of a crowd

03:37:50.540 --> 03:37:52.980
how letting those nerves get to you.

03:37:52.980 --> 03:37:54.500
How can you be clutch on that day?

03:37:54.500 --> 03:37:56.460
And I feel like over the last five

03:37:56.460 --> 03:37:58.520
raid tiers there's no team that's more

03:37:58.520 --> 03:37:59.940
clutch than this liquid team.

03:37:59.940 --> 03:38:01.060
Whenever the going gets tough,

03:38:01.060 --> 03:38:03.220
they always show up and they always deliver

03:38:03.220 --> 03:38:04.660
and they're down 0-1.

03:38:04.660 --> 03:38:06.300
Are they going to be able to reverse the tides?

03:38:06.300 --> 03:38:07.580
I mean, we were all there.

03:38:07.580 --> 03:38:08.420
You guys were all there, right?

03:38:08.420 --> 03:38:10.420
Watching the race to world first, right?

03:38:11.780 --> 03:38:13.460
There they are.

03:38:13.460 --> 03:38:15.380
Tuesday, Reclear was terrible for them.

03:38:15.380 --> 03:38:16.220
Yeah.

03:38:16.220 --> 03:38:17.340
They get some insane progression on Wednesday.

03:38:17.340 --> 03:38:18.240
They know how to clutch up.

03:38:18.240 --> 03:38:19.420
So if there's any team that can do it,

03:38:19.420 --> 03:38:21.980
seen liquid but big lucky they got to be feeling good about themselves right now.

03:38:21.980 --> 03:38:27.820
I mean Zara was going to say now the race is one thing this is the MDI and this team has to prove

03:38:27.820 --> 03:38:33.340
themselves here because they haven't had as big of a history in the MDI as they have elsewhere here

03:38:33.340 --> 03:38:38.460
on liquid and big lucky they've come in and they've already done a lot of what people consider to be

03:38:38.460 --> 03:38:42.380
the impossible. I mean Tubbles do you have some more thoughts? I was about to ask is this map a coin flip?

03:38:42.940 --> 03:38:47.500
I think liquid have a huge advantage in this one from what we've seen so far. I think this is a big

03:38:47.500 --> 03:38:51.060
opportunity for them. I think they need to win this map as well to equalize the

03:38:51.060 --> 03:38:55.100
series. They definitely want to. We know that for sure, but we're gonna be getting

03:38:55.100 --> 03:39:00.420
into this next dungeon den of Nalarak. Now this is one that will also put up a

03:39:00.420 --> 03:39:03.500
fight for our teams. We've seen it yesterday, but today Big Lucky and

03:39:03.500 --> 03:39:08.660
Liquid have to face off in it. Now of course Liquid, they want to come back and

03:39:08.660 --> 03:39:11.740
get a point. They want to be in the running, but Big Lucky, they already have

03:39:11.740 --> 03:39:15.580
that run themselves under their belt, and they're coming in now to see if they

03:39:15.580 --> 03:39:17.260
They can add another point on the board, Zyro.

03:39:17.260 --> 03:39:19.620
Yesterday, when I was talking to Team Liquid

03:39:19.620 --> 03:39:20.980
after they won their series, they

03:39:20.980 --> 03:39:23.260
seemed to hope it after winning their series against

03:39:23.260 --> 03:39:23.900
Mandatory.

03:39:23.900 --> 03:39:25.500
It was weird because you would think

03:39:25.500 --> 03:39:26.860
they'd be pretty happy with themselves

03:39:26.860 --> 03:39:29.500
after taking the series, winning, going to the grand finals.

03:39:29.500 --> 03:39:30.980
They were worried about this denim dollar.

03:39:30.980 --> 03:39:33.300
I feel like, man, our practice time was over a minute faster.

03:39:33.300 --> 03:39:35.620
We just got really bad RNG at the start.

03:39:35.620 --> 03:39:38.060
Just have you got canceled twice on his incense grab?

03:39:38.060 --> 03:39:40.420
That stick that gives them 5% versatility for 10 minutes.

03:39:40.420 --> 03:39:41.700
Looks like this time around, though.

03:39:41.700 --> 03:39:42.140
They got it.

03:39:42.140 --> 03:39:43.300
They're clean.

03:39:43.300 --> 03:39:46.060
Yeah, they've got that incense, that 5% versatility.

03:39:46.060 --> 03:39:48.160
Both teams setting up a large bloodless pull here.

03:39:48.160 --> 03:39:50.400
Shun's help bar, looking a little bit sketchy,

03:39:50.400 --> 03:39:52.400
as it always does for those blood decays,

03:39:52.400 --> 03:39:55.040
but able to stabilize into that fan blood, into that AMS.

03:39:55.040 --> 03:39:56.900
Two of those starvation effigies though,

03:39:56.900 --> 03:39:59.160
pulsing on, big lucky there.

03:39:59.160 --> 03:40:03.000
Big max HP reductions across the board for them,

03:40:03.000 --> 03:40:04.520
but it looks like they are gonna be able

03:40:04.520 --> 03:40:06.960
to finish off these most dangerous enemies.

03:40:06.960 --> 03:40:09.120
Meanwhile, Liquid already have killed off their pull.

03:40:09.120 --> 03:40:11.240
They're already now separating once again

03:40:11.240 --> 03:40:13.240
to go and gather more of these offerings.

03:40:13.240 --> 03:40:16.320
six total ones that you need to activate this boss.

03:40:16.320 --> 03:40:18.240
And one of the nice things about having all these night elves,

03:40:18.240 --> 03:40:20.840
these stealth classes, right, the road, the druid,

03:40:20.840 --> 03:40:23.080
is it's very easy for you to go and activate these offerings

03:40:23.080 --> 03:40:24.960
without having to actually fight any of these enemies.

03:40:24.960 --> 03:40:26.760
I didn't even know that there was a second bush off

03:40:26.760 --> 03:40:28.080
on the side that a stalker comes down.

03:40:28.080 --> 03:40:29.280
I'm trying to stop you from getting it.

03:40:29.280 --> 03:40:30.520
That one seems free if you've got someone

03:40:30.520 --> 03:40:31.760
that can just sap it or CC it.

03:40:31.760 --> 03:40:33.600
And for me, of course, I was able to take care of that

03:40:33.600 --> 03:40:36.020
for Team Liquid and start to regroup with the team.

03:40:36.020 --> 03:40:38.800
One of the strengths of this comp that we keep going back to

03:40:38.800 --> 03:40:41.360
is the fact that they have this one minute demonic tyrant

03:40:41.360 --> 03:40:42.200
on their group.

03:40:42.200 --> 03:40:45.600
They use that cooldown on the first packet by the time this has all been gathered.

03:40:45.600 --> 03:40:47.760
They have that cooldown once again ready.

03:40:47.760 --> 03:40:50.320
Last time around, they had to take extra time together.

03:40:50.320 --> 03:40:51.320
This book is as heavy.

03:40:51.320 --> 03:40:52.720
Had to go back and get that buff for them.

03:40:52.720 --> 03:40:54.560
This time around, he's with the group ready to go.

03:40:54.560 --> 03:40:56.920
Yeah, they're about ready to go into the boss here.

03:40:56.920 --> 03:41:00.720
Just got to wait for it to activate, but you'd see they are in position to pull it as soon

03:41:00.720 --> 03:41:02.520
as it becomes attackable.

03:41:02.520 --> 03:41:07.040
Team Liquid in combat now with the Horde Monger, and they've got all of this extra trash coming

03:41:07.040 --> 03:41:08.040
along with it.

03:41:08.040 --> 03:41:11.720
We'll have to see if the double funnel comp from Big Lucky is going to be enough to make

03:41:11.720 --> 03:41:15.080
up some boss damage here. The earlier spawn of the horde monger for Team Liquid is going

03:41:15.080 --> 03:41:19.420
to put them about 10% ahead. Yeah, they are a little bit behind on enemy forces going

03:41:19.420 --> 03:41:23.600
into the boss, but let's see how much things change. I think they even have a little bit

03:41:23.600 --> 03:41:28.080
less trash onto the boss as well. So I think Big Lucky are going to gather a bit of a count

03:41:28.080 --> 03:41:33.060
advantage here, but Liquid definitely got in combat with the boss first. However, the

03:41:33.060 --> 03:41:38.780
HP difference between these bosses is closing. Big Lucky are accelerating here. That Arcane

03:41:38.780 --> 03:41:41.180
in search, still rolling as well.

03:41:41.180 --> 03:41:43.100
One of the things as well that we need to keep in mind,

03:41:43.100 --> 03:41:44.420
we were talking about this dungeon yesterday,

03:41:44.420 --> 03:41:45.620
this is a nasty tank dungeon.

03:41:45.620 --> 03:41:47.220
There's so much in here that does so much

03:41:47.220 --> 03:41:49.540
to the long for the tank to be played perfectly.

03:41:49.540 --> 03:41:51.060
Having that curse of exhaustion available

03:41:51.060 --> 03:41:52.740
from the Warlock helps out a ton.

03:41:52.740 --> 03:41:56.380
Absolutely, yeah, big extra point of safety

03:41:56.380 --> 03:41:59.460
alongside those purgatories or last resorts

03:41:59.460 --> 03:42:01.940
that our two tanks do have access to.

03:42:01.940 --> 03:42:04.060
But yeah, a little bit of help from your DPS players

03:42:04.060 --> 03:42:06.540
can go a long way for your tanks in here,

03:42:06.540 --> 03:42:20.140
Suits as well, actually very effective on those matriarchs, but when you're pulling as many as the MDI teams do, sometimes you can't sue them all, so you've just got to tank them, even with that enrage stacking up as you kill off the couplings.

03:42:20.140 --> 03:42:27.140
Of course, the shaman very useful for clearing these mushrooms here. They can drop down that poison cleansing tone and make sure they don't have to worry about those debuffs for too long here.

03:42:27.140 --> 03:42:32.840
They can do two sets of them, and then they're in a little bit of trouble for the third set if they do get their boss dropping very low for both of our teams already.

03:42:32.840 --> 03:42:35.220
Liquid action starting to pull away on the boss as well.

03:42:35.220 --> 03:42:37.420
They were 8% ahead when Big Lucky pulled the boss.

03:42:37.420 --> 03:42:39.980
They're slowly starting to gain more of an advantage here.

03:42:39.980 --> 03:42:41.660
Yeah, you can see though, the count differential

03:42:41.660 --> 03:42:44.980
is about 6% in favor of Big Lucky.

03:42:44.980 --> 03:42:48.780
So they get that next bellow, and boss jumping to the middle.

03:42:48.780 --> 03:42:53.540
But it is now an 11% HP advantage in favor of Team Liquid.

03:42:53.540 --> 03:42:55.300
They get the next of these spoiled supplies.

03:42:55.300 --> 03:42:57.020
And I think this is the one that they won't have points

03:42:57.020 --> 03:42:59.060
in poison cleansing totem for.

03:42:59.060 --> 03:43:00.620
So we'll see how they decide to handle this.

03:43:00.620 --> 03:43:02.700
It looks like it's going to be a couple of single disfells.

03:43:02.700 --> 03:43:04.300
Oh yeah, easily handled actually.

03:43:04.300 --> 03:43:05.420
That looks like poison cleansing, Totem.

03:43:05.420 --> 03:43:07.380
Maybe they didn't use it on one of the earlier ones.

03:43:07.380 --> 03:43:09.580
Yeah, it looks like they had no issues with that whatsoever.

03:43:09.580 --> 03:43:11.500
Same thing on the side of Big Lucky.

03:43:11.500 --> 03:43:13.260
They're actually starting to catch up a little bit.

03:43:13.260 --> 03:43:14.580
Now once the boss is in execute,

03:43:14.580 --> 03:43:17.580
that was the second Arcane Surge coming out from RGBC there.

03:43:17.580 --> 03:43:19.020
That means he's not going to have that cooldown

03:43:19.020 --> 03:43:19.940
available for the next pull,

03:43:19.940 --> 03:43:21.820
which we know is going to be a massive one.

03:43:21.820 --> 03:43:23.660
All right, Liquid take down the boss,

03:43:23.660 --> 03:43:26.420
and you can look at the state of their cooldowns as well.

03:43:26.420 --> 03:43:28.080
They are going to have everything available

03:43:28.080 --> 03:43:29.580
for this next pull.

03:43:29.580 --> 03:43:31.080
As you can see, the Sevi ran back

03:43:31.080 --> 03:43:33.280
and grab that extra incense so they're

03:43:33.280 --> 03:43:36.600
going to have 10 more seconds, or 10 more minutes,

03:43:36.600 --> 03:43:39.080
of that 5% versatility buff.

03:43:39.080 --> 03:43:41.640
They go into this next big pull, big lucky,

03:43:41.640 --> 03:43:43.360
opting to not bother with it as well.

03:43:43.360 --> 03:43:45.560
They still have the incense from the start of the dungeon,

03:43:45.560 --> 03:43:48.200
but it is going to fall off in about six minutes here.

03:43:48.200 --> 03:43:50.040
Percent of tongues this time being used to make sure

03:43:50.040 --> 03:43:51.540
that those casts are a little bit longer.

03:43:51.540 --> 03:43:53.320
Don't want to let an errant cast go off from the group.

03:43:53.320 --> 03:43:55.000
Although they are using a lot of A OECC

03:43:55.000 --> 03:43:56.520
to make sure things don't go off.

03:43:56.520 --> 03:43:59.120
A little bit easier than just coordinating kicks here.

03:43:59.120 --> 03:44:03.480
Meanwhile, Big Lucky just shrouded past all that trash that Liquid are now fighting.

03:44:03.480 --> 03:44:09.360
That 6% trash lead that Big Lucky had is going to be used here to let them skip past this.

03:44:09.360 --> 03:44:12.960
They are still now going to need a little bit more trash from this part of the dungeon,

03:44:12.960 --> 03:44:14.920
but all of this should equalize.

03:44:14.920 --> 03:44:18.200
And I think that's the reason they can't send Loda back to gather that incense.

03:44:18.200 --> 03:44:22.200
I think they want to make sure that everybody is moving together and getting in that shroud.

03:44:22.200 --> 03:44:23.760
Is Big Lucky going to stop here?

03:44:23.760 --> 03:44:27.640
I believe this is what they did in their run against Dignitas earlier yesterday.

03:44:27.640 --> 03:44:29.140
It looks like this is the plan for them.

03:44:29.140 --> 03:44:31.880
They don't want to go all the way to that avatar of Windsor at the end,

03:44:31.880 --> 03:44:34.680
blocking off the boss from them, taking it a little bit easy.

03:44:34.680 --> 03:44:36.080
This alone, though, is still dangerous.

03:44:36.080 --> 03:44:40.060
Those avatars of determination can do a lot to the group if they're not in position.

03:44:40.060 --> 03:44:43.860
Yeah, it's very nasty when you have so little space because of these harsh winds,

03:44:43.860 --> 03:44:49.740
and then you get all of that space denied by those massive AoEs from the bare spirits there.

03:44:49.740 --> 03:44:52.740
So, being lucky, still finishing off that pack.

03:44:52.740 --> 03:44:55.340
Liquid, having Fumi run forward a bit,

03:44:55.340 --> 03:44:59.680
Tricks of the trade active as well, and tagging in even more of this trash.

03:44:59.680 --> 03:45:03.060
Looks like it's going to be a pretty similar poll here for both teams.

03:45:03.060 --> 03:45:05.980
NA forces count after all is said and done should be about the same.

03:45:05.980 --> 03:45:08.420
Shun drop super low, depth strikes himself to safety.

03:45:08.420 --> 03:45:12.820
And when you're looking at the Blood Decay, it's not just that red health bar you need to look at.

03:45:12.820 --> 03:45:15.900
It's that blue runic power bar below the health bar.

03:45:15.900 --> 03:45:18.900
Whenever they have high runic power, even if their health is low,

03:45:18.900 --> 03:45:22.660
as long as they're in melee range or something, they are one global away from safe.

03:45:22.660 --> 03:45:25.060
It's once that runic power bar is low,

03:45:25.060 --> 03:45:27.760
that's when you need to start being terrified for the blood decay.

03:45:27.760 --> 03:45:29.800
Yeah, I'm usually not too worried about the blood decay,

03:45:29.800 --> 03:45:33.060
as long as they have perg available and still have runic power like you were saying.

03:45:33.060 --> 03:45:38.300
The yo-yo experience of blood decay is a universal experience for pretty much every healer.

03:45:38.300 --> 03:45:42.240
Yeah, easy shun, they're completely full on runic power now going into this pull

03:45:42.240 --> 03:45:44.440
as they move on to the winter squall.

03:45:44.440 --> 03:45:48.940
So this is a little bit tricky as well because once again, you've got a very small space to play this in.

03:45:48.940 --> 03:45:55.740
They fight the avatar of determination on one side of that circle so that when it does its area denial, they can then move to the other side.

03:45:55.740 --> 03:46:02.740
Barry heads up way to attack this pole. Meanwhile, Liquid charging forward as well looks like setting up a very similar idea here.

03:46:02.740 --> 03:46:10.740
But big lucky, definitely have a bit of a lead in movement through the dungeon because they were able to just shroud pass that first pull after this boss.

03:46:10.740 --> 03:46:16.940
We'll just go as literally doubling the damage of his teammates right now using that Demo Warlock to perfection.

03:46:16.940 --> 03:46:22.760
And he's not done yet. He just popped another Tyrant on this pack, so he's gonna stay up there and continue doing massive A.W.E damage.

03:46:23.360 --> 03:46:28.700
They look he doesn't care, though, as they've already dealt with the Winter Squall and are moving ahead to spawn the Sinsmills Winter.

03:46:29.340 --> 03:46:33.320
Yeah, a little bit of channeling time. They do have one of those frigid roars in the back to worry about.

03:46:33.320 --> 03:46:38.320
It looks like they've actually grabbed a little bit more trash to take onto this boss as well.

03:46:38.320 --> 03:46:42.520
I think for Team Liquid, Yps will be able to do this, because that Vengeance even hunter, very mobile.

03:46:42.520 --> 03:46:46.800
So he can go ahead and leap after this, get low, and go and grab a little bit more trash.

03:46:46.940 --> 03:46:51.240
Well, look at this. Liquid has caught up and actually now surpassed Big Lucky in Trash.

03:46:51.240 --> 03:46:56.540
And like you said, Yipz is going back to pull that exact same count that Big Lucky has now amassed on top of the boss.

03:46:56.540 --> 03:46:59.440
That means Big Lucky's going to have to make up count in that final section of the dungeon.

03:46:59.440 --> 03:47:01.240
It's just a pretty dangerous trash.

03:47:01.240 --> 03:47:06.840
Yeah, I think they're going to be getting to about 79% here once they kill off everything under the boss team.

03:47:06.840 --> 03:47:08.840
Liquid getting in combat as well.

03:47:08.840 --> 03:47:13.840
25% boss HP advantage in favor of Big Lucky.

03:47:13.840 --> 03:47:21.140
Now once again our two teams are so evenly matched here, but liquid getting those offensive cooldowns going here on full

03:47:21.140 --> 03:47:25.800
It's actually mostly just the tyrant on whole but in about a minute here 45 seconds

03:47:25.800 --> 03:47:30.460
We are gonna have every single dps player in CDs for liquid well disco

03:47:30.940 --> 03:47:36.700
Absolutely carrying the team on his back in this dungeon this warlock has been doubling his teammates

03:47:36.700 --> 03:47:39.400
But the better part of the past four minutes

03:47:39.400 --> 03:47:42.840
Is it going to be enough to catch up to Big Lucky?

03:47:42.840 --> 03:47:45.320
Gipson second on the damage meters as well.

03:47:45.320 --> 03:47:48.200
Four team Liquid, that vengeance, Steven Hunter first.

03:47:48.200 --> 03:47:50.920
Whenever you can line up your fiery brand and your meta,

03:47:50.920 --> 03:47:53.480
you can deal such incredible amounts of DPS

03:47:53.480 --> 03:47:55.960
as that annihilator, vengeance, Steven Hunter.

03:47:55.960 --> 03:47:58.840
And then sometimes you'll get a meta proc on top of that as well.

03:47:58.840 --> 03:47:59.960
And everything will be great.

03:47:59.960 --> 03:48:03.560
Your DPS players will be very confused by the damage meter.

03:48:03.560 --> 03:48:07.080
Meanwhile, though, Big Lucky also absolutely chunking this boss here,

03:48:07.080 --> 03:48:10.100
you're moving it now towards the sort of end area.

03:48:10.100 --> 03:48:12.320
One of the things that you don't see very,

03:48:12.320 --> 03:48:14.120
you don't see talked about very much in the FDI,

03:48:14.120 --> 03:48:16.520
but just making sure that when a boss dies,

03:48:16.520 --> 03:48:18.240
you are right by the exit of the room

03:48:18.240 --> 03:48:19.720
is a very important skill.

03:48:19.720 --> 03:48:21.920
So figuring out exactly how many cycles

03:48:21.920 --> 03:48:22.920
you're gonna have to do,

03:48:22.920 --> 03:48:24.640
and then manipulating things such that

03:48:24.640 --> 03:48:27.520
when you finish that last one, you are by the exit.

03:48:27.520 --> 03:48:28.440
That's a couple of seconds.

03:48:28.440 --> 03:48:29.360
That could be the difference

03:48:29.360 --> 03:48:30.360
with teams as evenly matched.

03:48:30.360 --> 03:48:32.200
Look at Liquid go catching up here

03:48:32.200 --> 03:48:34.600
with that use of cooldowns like you were talking about.

03:48:34.600 --> 03:48:36.880
When they pulled the boss, they were 30% behind.

03:48:36.880 --> 03:48:41.580
Now closing the gap to just a mere 10% with the count advantage rather.

03:48:41.580 --> 03:48:42.380
Yeah, that's tiring.

03:48:42.380 --> 03:48:47.960
I've had to expire there for Wolf Disco, but still huge damage overall coming out of Wolf Disco.

03:48:47.960 --> 03:48:51.520
Fumi and Asha now beating the tank as well, exactly what we'd love to see.

03:48:51.520 --> 03:48:56.400
But Big Lucky are going to be the team that takes down the Sentinel of Winter first.

03:48:56.400 --> 03:49:02.520
Liquid hot on their heels though, 10% less than 10% on the boss between the two teams.

03:49:02.520 --> 03:49:06.020
Big Lucky going to be moving now to the final section of Dungeon.

03:49:06.020 --> 03:49:09.700
It is a 4% trash advantage for Team Liquid,

03:49:09.700 --> 03:49:13.460
but a 15-second time advantage for Big Lucky.

03:49:13.460 --> 03:49:14.900
I don't know which of that is better.

03:49:14.900 --> 03:49:17.340
Well, I do know that Liquid is going to make up a good 5

03:49:17.340 --> 03:49:18.940
to 10 seconds here based off of the way

03:49:18.940 --> 03:49:20.060
they end up skipping this back.

03:49:20.060 --> 03:49:22.180
Let's take a look at Big Lucky on the right side here.

03:49:22.180 --> 03:49:23.820
To skip this trash, obviously both teams

03:49:23.820 --> 03:49:25.420
are just going to run around the first pack.

03:49:25.420 --> 03:49:26.380
They keep an eye on RJBC.

03:49:26.380 --> 03:49:28.220
He is the man to take a look at here.

03:49:28.220 --> 03:49:30.580
He blinks into the trash pack, places his ult or time down,

03:49:30.580 --> 03:49:32.660
going to run off to the side, let his teammates through,

03:49:32.660 --> 03:49:36.100
alter back, hit the G and Viz into the shroud we go.

03:49:36.100 --> 03:49:37.860
On the side of Liquid, it should

03:49:37.860 --> 03:49:39.260
be a lot more simple than that.

03:49:39.260 --> 03:49:41.020
All we have to do is run to the side

03:49:41.020 --> 03:49:43.300
and place a nifty little demonic gateway,

03:49:43.300 --> 03:49:45.860
instantly pressed, instantly used by the team.

03:49:45.860 --> 03:49:47.180
Saved a few seconds there.

03:49:47.180 --> 03:49:49.260
Yeah, right into the shroud there, 14 Liquid.

03:49:49.260 --> 03:49:51.420
Meanwhile, take lucky getting in combat there.

03:49:51.420 --> 03:49:53.180
With the bear pull at the bottom,

03:49:53.180 --> 03:49:55.380
you can see a couple of crowd-controlled mobs

03:49:55.380 --> 03:49:57.340
that they're going to leave to come in for later.

03:49:57.340 --> 03:49:58.780
But they're going to take this up the stairs

03:49:58.780 --> 03:50:00.340
and start fighting the miniboss.

03:50:00.340 --> 03:50:02.900
Meanwhile, Liquid, very similar idea here.

03:50:02.900 --> 03:50:05.980
The goal is to start this RP as soon as possible,

03:50:05.980 --> 03:50:08.180
so that you don't waste any time waiting

03:50:08.180 --> 03:50:09.940
for that required time.

03:50:09.940 --> 03:50:11.860
We'll have to take a look at what the bloodlust used

03:50:11.860 --> 03:50:12.900
to be for our teams.

03:50:12.900 --> 03:50:14.900
That's been available for the past minute now.

03:50:14.900 --> 03:50:16.660
Is it going to be used for safety,

03:50:16.660 --> 03:50:18.220
for crashing top of the boss?

03:50:18.220 --> 03:50:20.540
Or are they going to use it at the most opportune time

03:50:20.540 --> 03:50:22.420
with cooldowns when all the trash is already

03:50:22.420 --> 03:50:24.060
dead for pure boss damage?

03:50:24.060 --> 03:50:25.940
That was one of the difference makers for Liquid

03:50:25.940 --> 03:50:27.580
against mandatory yesterday.

03:50:27.580 --> 03:50:29.940
What are the teams going to plan to do with it today?

03:50:29.940 --> 03:50:32.500
It looks like Liquid are going to be holding on to it for a while there.

03:50:32.500 --> 03:50:36.260
As you can see, the Ascendance goes by without the LUST being pressed.

03:50:36.260 --> 03:50:37.500
Same for Big Lucky though.

03:50:37.500 --> 03:50:40.660
They are also cool holding onto that Bloodlust.

03:50:40.660 --> 03:50:44.340
Nerds of Steel for both of our teams here in the finals.

03:50:44.340 --> 03:50:46.540
Big Lucky now traveling back down the stairs.

03:50:46.540 --> 03:50:47.580
Little U-turn there.

03:50:47.580 --> 03:50:51.060
They need to go and grab some extra count and take it onto the boss.

03:50:51.060 --> 03:50:53.060
Liquid, very similar idea.

03:50:53.060 --> 03:50:54.500
Although I'm not sure they actually need that.

03:50:54.500 --> 03:50:58.460
Yeah, they don't need that third pack there that is by the other staircase.

03:50:58.460 --> 03:51:01.900
So that is the 4% count advantage in favor of Liquid.

03:51:01.900 --> 03:51:05.420
That might allow them to get in position to pull the boss first.

03:51:05.420 --> 03:51:08.300
The problem is, I think they're just going to be waiting for RP up here.

03:51:08.300 --> 03:51:10.380
They are going to be waiting for RP for just a little bit.

03:51:10.380 --> 03:51:12.380
The boss should spawn in just a couple of seconds for them.

03:51:12.380 --> 03:51:15.420
I like the Hex tech, though, from Big Lucky here.

03:51:15.420 --> 03:51:17.020
They're in combat with that path.

03:51:17.020 --> 03:51:19.900
When the Hex breaks in about 45 seconds from now,

03:51:19.900 --> 03:51:22.620
it'll slowly work its way up, and that'll be more A.O.E. for the group.

03:51:22.620 --> 03:51:24.540
Booby dropping incredibly low there.

03:51:24.540 --> 03:51:26.060
Holds onto the Chief F, though.

03:51:26.060 --> 03:51:31.160
But look at this cold team still holding steady on the Bloodlust, not Popgap, but either of our teams.

03:51:31.160 --> 03:51:33.060
They're waiting for those cooldowns to come back.

03:51:33.060 --> 03:51:36.360
Big luck, he actually tanking the boss basically right by the wall there.

03:51:36.360 --> 03:51:41.260
That's going to minimize the impact of that knockback at the end of that bare combo.

03:51:41.260 --> 03:51:46.960
Next set of Echoing Roars being brought out and they'll take Nalarak back towards the end of the room.

03:51:46.960 --> 03:51:52.860
Liquid though have accelerated, even though they pulled the boss second, they are now in the lead on Boss HP.

03:51:52.860 --> 03:51:55.960
The Bloodlust still available as well for both teams.

03:51:55.960 --> 03:51:59.560
Will they be able to use this to send the boss home?

03:51:59.560 --> 03:52:03.160
65% to 67% for Big Lucky.

03:52:03.160 --> 03:52:06.160
A little bit of a difference there, but it is closing.

03:52:06.160 --> 03:52:07.960
RGVC using the Arcane Surge now.

03:52:07.960 --> 03:52:09.660
I was wondering when he was going to press that button.

03:52:09.660 --> 03:52:12.860
He's only going to get one more use of it for the remainder of the dungeon.

03:52:12.860 --> 03:52:14.760
It might have been the play to save that for execute,

03:52:14.760 --> 03:52:17.360
but they wanted to make sure they lined everything up with Lust.

03:52:17.360 --> 03:52:20.060
All of the cooldowns now active on the side of Big Lucky.

03:52:20.060 --> 03:52:21.660
Lust now popped for Liquid as well.

03:52:21.660 --> 03:52:23.960
Tyrant's come in just a few moments here.

03:52:23.960 --> 03:52:25.560
What is the damage from Big Lucky though?

03:52:25.560 --> 03:52:28.120
So they're now 5%, 7% ahead.

03:52:28.120 --> 03:52:31.400
Big Lucky, meanwhile Liquid still got some cool downs rolling,

03:52:31.400 --> 03:52:33.240
trying to close the gap again.

03:52:33.240 --> 03:52:34.760
Zero deaths for either team.

03:52:34.760 --> 03:52:36.760
So this is just going to come down to who

03:52:36.760 --> 03:52:38.240
can kill the boss first.

03:52:38.240 --> 03:52:41.080
19% for Big Lucky.

03:52:41.080 --> 03:52:43.280
14% for Team Liquid.

03:52:43.280 --> 03:52:45.080
This one is going to come right down to the wire,

03:52:45.080 --> 03:52:49.120
but Team Liquid at the end here able to accelerate.

03:52:49.120 --> 03:52:51.040
They're going to get the boss down first.

03:52:51.040 --> 03:52:54.120
Liquid equalized the series.

03:52:54.120 --> 03:52:59.520
Liquid did it! They have evened this out here in the Grand Finals.

03:52:59.520 --> 03:53:03.760
They were not willing to let Big Lucky get another one, not here, not now.

03:53:03.760 --> 03:53:10.040
And they have taken this Den of Nalorak 4, that ourselves, but this was a very close map.

03:53:10.040 --> 03:53:15.280
Now, honestly, both of these teams, we saw Liquid get that early kind of time advantage,

03:53:15.280 --> 03:53:20.960
but then there was a lot of back and forth. And in Xyro, where do you think they really saved time last time?

03:53:20.960 --> 03:53:24.000
I mean, that's as good as it gets right there, guys.

03:53:24.000 --> 03:53:25.760
That's as good as it gets right there.

03:53:25.760 --> 03:53:27.040
DPS raised to the finish.

03:53:27.040 --> 03:53:30.320
Both teams sub 10% at the same time.

03:53:30.320 --> 03:53:32.280
It's just class from both teams.

03:53:32.280 --> 03:53:35.160
Absolutely incredible performance from both of them.

03:53:35.160 --> 03:53:38.120
And you can hear the cheers for Liquid in the background.

03:53:38.120 --> 03:53:41.200
I mean, titles, these two went head to head.

03:53:41.200 --> 03:53:43.000
And it was impressive seeing this run,

03:53:43.000 --> 03:53:45.320
because honestly, it could have gone either way.

03:53:45.320 --> 03:53:45.880
I mean, look at that.

03:53:45.880 --> 03:53:49.120
13-41 versus 13 minutes and 52 seconds for big lucky.

03:53:49.120 --> 03:53:50.800
Like you said, it really could have gone either way.

03:53:50.800 --> 03:53:53.000
If anybody had a death, it would have been problematic.

03:53:53.000 --> 03:53:56.800
For Big Lucky, they were ahead for 11 minutes

03:53:56.800 --> 03:53:57.720
or something like that.

03:53:57.720 --> 03:53:59.040
It was that ending sequence.

03:53:59.040 --> 03:54:01.560
It was that last bridge and getting the boss pulled

03:54:01.560 --> 03:54:03.240
and how Liquid did that slightly faster

03:54:03.240 --> 03:54:04.560
that really cost them.

03:54:04.560 --> 03:54:06.440
So let's take a look at the replay here.

03:54:06.440 --> 03:54:07.280
At the very beginning,

03:54:07.280 --> 03:54:09.280
Big Lucky gets a little bit more trash count

03:54:09.280 --> 03:54:12.400
and actually comes off the first boss just a hair faster.

03:54:12.400 --> 03:54:13.440
I think that they're about even,

03:54:13.440 --> 03:54:16.320
but the fact that Big Lucky has a bit more count.

03:54:16.320 --> 03:54:18.880
And then Liquid ends up doing an additional pull,

03:54:18.880 --> 03:54:22.200
Whereas Big Lucky ends up shrouding into that second area of trash.

03:54:22.200 --> 03:54:26.440
That's where I felt like the Big Lucky strategy for this dungeon was just a hair superior.

03:54:26.440 --> 03:54:29.480
And you're trying to compare two different routes, and a lot of the times it's hard.

03:54:29.480 --> 03:54:31.840
But generally as a viewer, the thing that you're looking for is like,

03:54:31.840 --> 03:54:34.280
who is the most progressed in the dungeon? Who is the furthest ahead?

03:54:34.280 --> 03:54:37.800
And for Big Lucky, they were consistently pulling a little bit more trash into the boss,

03:54:37.800 --> 03:54:39.120
getting a little bit more count.

03:54:39.120 --> 03:54:44.800
And it's like trying to figure out where those puzzle pieces align for Liquid to be able to slingshot

03:54:44.800 --> 03:54:47.640
and push a little bit further ahead is kind of an interesting point.

03:54:47.640 --> 03:54:50.840
And this was the point in time where I thought that Liquid was going to fall further behind.

03:54:50.840 --> 03:54:56.400
You see on the left side right there, that you're doing a trash pack while Big Lucky is electing to shroud into that second area

03:54:56.400 --> 03:54:59.560
with an additional about 6% enemy forces that they pulled into that boss.

03:54:59.560 --> 03:55:04.620
That 6% enemy forces basically didn't cost them any time. It only cost them like 8 seconds or something like that.

03:55:04.620 --> 03:55:09.380
And so then, Big Lucky was 14 seconds ahead on the second boss.

03:55:09.380 --> 03:55:11.700
Because, I mean, you can even see it on the screen right here.

03:55:11.700 --> 03:55:14.740
They are just continuing to progress further into the dungeon a little bit faster.

03:55:14.740 --> 03:55:16.380
They're running down that ice bridge.

03:55:16.380 --> 03:55:19.660
And we talked about how the liquid composition is supposed to be a little bit better,

03:55:19.660 --> 03:55:22.540
but we were trying to figure out at what point in time does that actually show up,

03:55:22.540 --> 03:55:24.940
because Big Lucky has a lot more priority damage.

03:55:24.940 --> 03:55:27.740
It's interesting, you were talking about them being ahead for the first 11 minutes,

03:55:27.740 --> 03:55:30.540
because they weren't able to backtrack and get that incense.

03:55:30.540 --> 03:55:33.500
11 minutes is when that versatility buff fell off for them.

03:55:33.500 --> 03:55:37.660
That's when Liquid became the team that was just doing 5% more damage for free.

03:55:37.660 --> 03:55:41.340
Yeah, and I mean, again, like I said, 14 seconds ahead on the second boss,

03:55:41.340 --> 03:55:44.860
I'm feeling like, okay, even though Liquid is slightly ahead in terms of count,

03:55:44.860 --> 03:55:50.460
about three and a half percent. They have this gateway skip that saves them, I don't know, three, five seconds, something like that.

03:55:50.460 --> 03:55:53.500
I was like, ah, this is going to be an incredibly close finish.

03:55:53.500 --> 03:55:58.140
And I think that the setup of this pull is actually what equalized the entire map.

03:55:58.140 --> 03:56:01.740
The fact that Yipz was able to get this pack gathered as fast as possible,

03:56:01.740 --> 03:56:03.660
and I actually think this is the advantage to the Vengeance Demon Hunter.

03:56:03.660 --> 03:56:07.020
Just look at how fast he can actually get everything grouped up with Infernal Strike,

03:56:07.020 --> 03:56:09.340
and just the mobility of that Vengeance Demon Hunter.

03:56:09.340 --> 03:56:13.580
It is one of the best tanks in all of Mythic Clust because of its versatility,

03:56:13.580 --> 03:56:16.280
and just how good it can perform.

03:56:16.280 --> 03:56:18.280
That was an incredibly close map, though.

03:56:18.280 --> 03:56:20.620
I really felt like it was on a knife's edge the entire time.

03:56:20.620 --> 03:56:21.680
Could have truly gone either way.

03:56:21.680 --> 03:56:23.380
We saw it within 10 seconds right there.

03:56:23.380 --> 03:56:25.080
It really could have, but Liquid were the ones

03:56:25.080 --> 03:56:28.580
who swayed it in their favor and ended up clutching it out.

03:56:28.580 --> 03:56:30.980
And you know, Zyro, you were kind of highlighting a bit

03:56:30.980 --> 03:56:33.980
about Wolf Disco on Demo Warlock as well.

03:56:33.980 --> 03:56:37.080
Just how strong was that contribution to the team?

03:56:37.080 --> 03:56:38.380
I mean, you saw the overall damage.

03:56:38.380 --> 03:56:40.080
That was pretty good. 500 nil.

03:56:40.080 --> 03:56:45.440
pushing 700k DPS man that that is an absurd number but looks like we're

03:56:45.440 --> 03:56:47.280
already into the next dungeon.

03:56:47.280 --> 03:56:48.780
We're wasting no time.

03:56:48.780 --> 03:56:52.280
Our team's off on their runs make some noise.

03:56:52.280 --> 03:56:53.380
Congrats NOS.

03:56:53.380 --> 03:56:56.280
Game three of Liquid versus Big Lucky.

03:56:56.280 --> 03:57:02.180
We are in to the Temple of Scythralis for the first time this weekend and the first time in many many years.

03:57:02.180 --> 03:57:07.980
A battle for Azeroth dungeon and they are already both in combat with that first boss here.

03:57:07.980 --> 03:57:14.580
Hatter is an aspects, of course, you can only damage one of the bosses at a time in the remake of the dungeon for this expansion.

03:57:14.580 --> 03:57:20.180
Still gonna stop them from pulling a bunch of trash on top of the boss and leaving it down as is tradition in the MDI.

03:57:20.180 --> 03:57:23.080
I was just thinking, man, this best of five has now become a best of three.

03:57:23.080 --> 03:57:25.480
It's closer than it's ever been before.

03:57:25.480 --> 03:57:29.780
Who's gonna ride to the occasion here? Both teams proving that they deserve to be here.

03:57:29.780 --> 03:57:36.780
Moda swapped over to that restoration droid again from that Paladin they played in the first game for this and the last dungeon.

03:57:36.780 --> 03:57:43.420
So a little bit of a composition swap, but otherwise the teams are at heaven on the same thing for the entire series so far

03:57:43.420 --> 03:57:46.220
It's a plus 17 dungeon as well

03:57:46.660 --> 03:57:52.100
This time around just like that then I'm now Iraq first boss about the same HP for both teams

03:57:52.100 --> 03:57:57.420
It looks like they've also pulled the same trash look like both friends on the right hand side to start this dungeon as well

03:57:57.420 --> 03:58:01.460
Usually I'm live I go left but right seemed like the choice for our teams here

03:58:01.460 --> 03:58:05.300
You're gonna have to pull in at least one pack on the left side in order to make up count the dungeon

03:58:05.300 --> 03:58:07.000
So it looks like both of the teams have done just that.

03:58:07.000 --> 03:58:09.640
Pulling in that extra pack in the final moments of the boss here,

03:58:09.640 --> 03:58:12.600
just to get a little bit extra damage on top of the boss.

03:58:12.600 --> 03:58:14.200
This is so good, again.

03:58:14.200 --> 03:58:16.200
For the Demo Warlock, have to come back into it.

03:58:16.200 --> 03:58:18.540
They're pulling the trash on the one-minute cooldown timing.

03:58:18.540 --> 03:58:20.340
They get a ton of free-cleave on that trash.

03:58:20.340 --> 03:58:22.340
They don't have to worry about focusing it down.

03:58:22.340 --> 03:58:23.400
Whereas on the side of Big Lucky,

03:58:23.400 --> 03:58:25.540
I'm not really sure where that damage is supposed to come from.

03:58:25.540 --> 03:58:28.440
Both teams doing a good job of placing those wind zones

03:58:28.440 --> 03:58:30.300
behind where they want to go,

03:58:30.300 --> 03:58:33.000
and then getting pushed forward again towards the exit.

03:58:33.000 --> 03:58:35.400
always thinking about what the next thing that's going to be.

03:58:35.400 --> 03:58:38.880
But it looks like Team Liquid a little bit faster on this first boss.

03:58:38.880 --> 03:58:42.440
It's going to go down for them at about that 203 mark.

03:58:42.440 --> 03:58:47.520
Meanwhile, Big Lucky about 5, 10 seconds slower on the first boss.

03:58:47.520 --> 03:58:49.320
Very similar count for both teams.

03:58:49.320 --> 03:58:51.920
Stampeting War going to allow them to get through this gauntlet.

03:58:51.920 --> 03:58:54.720
Let's hope that nobody gets hit by any of these error barrages.

03:58:54.720 --> 03:58:57.600
A little bit of a roadblock there for Liquid as they run down.

03:58:57.600 --> 03:58:59.160
Big Lucky, no mistakes from there.

03:58:59.160 --> 03:59:01.800
And any player gets hit by an error on the BlizzCon stage.

03:59:01.800 --> 03:59:02.800
That would be a...

03:59:02.800 --> 03:59:04.400
You never really get to forget that one.

03:59:04.400 --> 03:59:05.560
Wouldn't be forgotten.

03:59:05.560 --> 03:59:07.960
XTM, unfortunately, stuck behind the Aerobarrage there,

03:59:07.960 --> 03:59:10.560
but of course doesn't want to profit G-Vet for no reason.

03:59:10.560 --> 03:59:12.960
Both of our teams through the gauntlet safely

03:59:12.960 --> 03:59:14.600
now start to gather up the next pole.

03:59:14.600 --> 03:59:15.920
Now this is an area of the dungeon

03:59:15.920 --> 03:59:17.840
where I feel like the Blood Death Knight for Big Lucky

03:59:17.840 --> 03:59:18.760
has a huge advantage.

03:59:18.760 --> 03:59:20.320
There are so many casters

03:59:20.320 --> 03:59:22.160
that you want to get into these poles

03:59:22.160 --> 03:59:25.320
and Death Grip plus Gorphine's Grasp are so good at that,

03:59:25.320 --> 03:59:26.680
whereas Team Liquid are going to use

03:59:26.680 --> 03:59:28.080
a little bit more coordination,

03:59:28.080 --> 03:59:29.760
making sure they land an initial interrupt

03:59:29.760 --> 03:59:32.000
or a knock to make that happen.

03:59:32.000 --> 03:59:34.480
Yeah, and I'm kind of surprised both teams stopping here,

03:59:34.480 --> 03:59:36.160
not heading down to mark this cavern here.

03:59:36.160 --> 03:59:39.440
I imagine they'll be pulling all of that as one pull as well.

03:59:39.440 --> 03:59:41.560
The question again, the cooldown usage

03:59:41.560 --> 03:59:43.000
has to be perfect from the teams here.

03:59:43.000 --> 03:59:45.440
Two minutes were expended on this particular pack,

03:59:45.440 --> 03:59:46.880
pretty much across the board.

03:59:46.880 --> 03:59:48.840
There's almost going to be nothing available for any

03:59:48.840 --> 03:59:51.080
of the teams except for just that lone tyrant

03:59:51.080 --> 03:59:52.640
from the Warlock for Liquid.

03:59:52.640 --> 03:59:54.360
So it's going to be a lot more of a dangerous pull

03:59:54.360 --> 03:59:55.440
for Big Lucky.

03:59:55.440 --> 03:59:58.080
Yeah, let's see what they decide to do after this trash starts

03:59:58.080 --> 04:00:01.880
to go down Team Liquid, traveling down the ramp now.

04:00:01.880 --> 04:00:04.120
A couple of remnants still alive there,

04:00:04.120 --> 04:00:05.880
but the Coralusk rider, I think,

04:00:05.880 --> 04:00:08.240
the most important thing before they can continue.

04:00:08.240 --> 04:00:09.560
They've got that first interrupt.

04:00:09.560 --> 04:00:11.360
Is it going to be the whole room, Zyro?

04:00:11.360 --> 04:00:12.200
I think it is.

04:00:12.200 --> 04:00:14.160
Oh, yeah, everything being pulled together.

04:00:14.160 --> 04:00:16.720
Double swarm rider, infinite casters,

04:00:16.720 --> 04:00:18.320
but like you were saying for Liquid,

04:00:18.320 --> 04:00:20.200
it's going to be a pain to get these in.

04:00:20.200 --> 04:00:22.320
They need to have perfectly coordinated kicks,

04:00:22.320 --> 04:00:25.360
and it looks like all of the tenders are now on top of it.

04:00:25.360 --> 04:00:26.360
Yeah, once they're this close,

04:00:26.360 --> 04:00:29.480
And now they are subject to those sigils from the Yps.

04:00:29.480 --> 04:00:32.400
The sigil of misery comes out into an incapacitating war.

04:00:32.400 --> 04:00:35.600
We've got a chains and a silence available soon for you.

04:00:35.600 --> 04:00:38.360
It's actually no silence, but a chains in a few seconds

04:00:38.360 --> 04:00:40.360
that can help interrupt as well.

04:00:40.360 --> 04:00:43.000
But the pull so quickly gathered up here for Liquid.

04:00:43.000 --> 04:00:45.040
Big luck, they're not too far behind,

04:00:45.040 --> 04:00:47.240
but Liquid's kind of starting to open up the gap.

04:00:47.240 --> 04:00:49.480
They've been behind in both the previous dungeons.

04:00:49.480 --> 04:00:51.040
Right off the rip, it's the first time

04:00:51.040 --> 04:00:52.880
they've secured such an early lead.

04:00:52.880 --> 04:00:55.920
Now you can see them moving through back into the dungeon,

04:00:55.920 --> 04:00:59.140
deeper into the room, avoiding those lightning puddles

04:00:59.140 --> 04:01:00.560
that they're leaving behind.

04:01:00.560 --> 04:01:04.680
Big lucky, about 30% HP difference on this trash.

04:01:04.680 --> 04:01:06.440
There should be lucky, had one of those healers

04:01:06.440 --> 04:01:07.760
cc'd off to the side.

04:01:07.760 --> 04:01:09.000
Liquid didn't bother with that,

04:01:09.000 --> 04:01:10.720
so that's something they're gonna have to continue with

04:01:10.720 --> 04:01:12.440
later on, looks like it's just now being gripped in

04:01:12.440 --> 04:01:14.200
for them, so that's something they're gonna have to continue

04:01:14.200 --> 04:01:15.040
with.

04:01:15.040 --> 04:01:15.880
No, it's still cc'd off on the side actually.

04:01:15.880 --> 04:01:17.200
The tent is just still sitting there.

04:01:17.200 --> 04:01:18.120
I think they're walking towards,

04:01:18.120 --> 04:01:19.760
I think they wanna break it out,

04:01:19.760 --> 04:01:22.060
but not having the time to do it necessarily,

04:01:22.060 --> 04:01:23.320
that polymorph is gonna expire,

04:01:23.320 --> 04:01:24.680
actually they're re-hexing it, okay.

04:01:24.680 --> 04:01:27.820
So they want to keep that thing CC'd, and now they do rip it in eventually.

04:01:28.220 --> 04:01:29.600
Wow, man, it's been so long.

04:01:29.960 --> 04:01:32.840
Is there actually something that you can spell steal as a mage off of that guy?

04:01:33.080 --> 04:01:38.480
Yeah, I think there used to be. I don't know if there still is, but the boss now pulled 4 Team Liquid.

04:01:38.740 --> 04:01:42.820
Marektha, the second boss here, changed a little bit from the BFA version.

04:01:43.240 --> 04:01:50.320
Yeah, you know, they're a little nicer. There's actually a visual for the charge now, so you're not going to have someone get one shot by that unless they're really not paying attention here.

04:01:50.320 --> 04:01:53.160
Of course they need to make sure they have stuns available for the routes when they go out.

04:01:53.160 --> 04:01:56.040
You don't want to let your DPS players sit in those stuns for too long.

04:01:56.040 --> 04:01:57.760
That's going to be the main thing I'm looking at.

04:01:57.760 --> 04:02:02.280
Also, we'll have to see if they're very, very clean about getting through that air mission,

04:02:02.280 --> 04:02:03.480
or if they can just one phase.

04:02:03.480 --> 04:02:04.600
I don't think that's going to be clean.

04:02:04.600 --> 04:02:05.800
It's a plus 17 key.

04:02:05.800 --> 04:02:08.240
It is very hard to one phase this boss.

04:02:08.240 --> 04:02:10.440
But maybe, yeah, you can see from the energy bar though,

04:02:10.440 --> 04:02:12.480
this boss is definitely going to borrow.

04:02:12.480 --> 04:02:15.800
They're going to have to deal with at least one set of adds.

04:02:15.800 --> 04:02:18.680
I wonder if you have lust if it's maybe possible to make it happen.

04:02:18.680 --> 04:02:22.680
but of course, both teams opting for that lust right at the start of the dungeon.

04:02:22.680 --> 04:02:25.680
You know, Intermission Phase coming here for Team Liquid.

04:02:25.680 --> 04:02:29.680
They get the boss down at 35% and Big Lucky pulling the boss quite a bit behind.

04:02:29.680 --> 04:02:32.680
They were about 40% behind on boss damage.

04:02:32.680 --> 04:02:35.680
Liquid now need to DPS down these snakes.

04:02:35.680 --> 04:02:36.680
I feel like they've been doing that for the past month.

04:02:36.680 --> 04:02:39.680
They have to do it once again here in the Global Finals to spawn the boss again.

04:02:39.680 --> 04:02:42.680
If you see that burrow charge coming across the room, everyone dodging it.

04:02:42.680 --> 04:02:44.680
Expertly to make sure they don't get one shot.

04:02:44.680 --> 04:02:47.680
Big Lucky now going to go into a burrow phase of their own to try and host their bosses.

04:02:47.680 --> 04:02:52.080
healthy. Yeah a little bit higher as it does start that borrow phase. Meanwhile

04:02:52.080 --> 04:02:55.500
Liquid now ending that phase to save a straight into that room can form

04:02:55.500 --> 04:03:00.280
convoking spirits contributing a little bit of that healer DPS that is making

04:03:00.280 --> 04:03:05.740
the rest of Druid such a powerhouse pick this weekend. A more set of mechanics

04:03:05.740 --> 04:03:09.320
coming out here for Team Liquid some stakes to be AOE down. The Warlock will

04:03:09.320 --> 04:03:12.480
gobble that up no problem whatsoever if you hand it to Dan will do the trick.

04:03:12.480 --> 04:03:15.120
They're not even worried about killing off those adds. They're just gonna let the

04:03:15.120 --> 04:03:20.120
Rogue used it for Funnel, Burek that's going to be going down here for Team Liquid way ahead if they're lucky.

04:03:20.120 --> 04:03:22.620
They're only just now starting to come out of that burrow phase.

04:03:22.620 --> 04:03:30.120
Alright, a nice lead now for Team Liquid. The Stambeating War popped as they move past this first agitated Nimbus.

04:03:30.120 --> 04:03:35.120
Let's see if everybody can avoid getting stunned by these rotating Orbs. Nicely done.

04:03:35.120 --> 04:03:41.620
They now CC one of these Storm Callers. They're going to Gateway past as well, some of the team, but it does look like they're pulling almost all of this.

04:03:41.620 --> 04:03:44.920
They've just CC all the casters, so those might come in on top of boss.

04:03:44.920 --> 04:03:47.820
You got a big thing here as well as to make sure you DPS down the side of the anomaly

04:03:47.820 --> 04:03:49.520
so you can start to spawn Galvastar.

04:03:49.520 --> 04:03:51.420
They're going to focus most of their damage into those.

04:03:51.420 --> 04:03:55.820
And then hopefully still have some trash left alive to take the use of the funnel on the boss.

04:03:55.820 --> 04:03:58.720
And Cedar actually manages to AOE everything down.

04:03:58.720 --> 04:04:01.720
Big lucky though, gets corrected down on their side.

04:04:01.720 --> 04:04:03.520
We have about 30 seconds behind.

04:04:03.520 --> 04:04:05.020
We've seen in the past Underdreados.

04:04:05.020 --> 04:04:07.320
That's close enough to kill.

04:04:07.320 --> 04:04:07.820
Yeah.

04:04:07.820 --> 04:04:08.920
Yeah, it's one death.

04:04:08.920 --> 04:04:13.320
Or potentially even just faster execution from an even map.

04:04:13.320 --> 04:04:16.400
but right now Liquid definitely a little bit of an advantage.

04:04:16.400 --> 04:04:18.040
If you need to spawn this boss soon,

04:04:18.040 --> 04:04:20.960
you can see those static anomalies getting very low.

04:04:20.960 --> 04:04:23.640
Once that 6-1 dies, the boss will start to spawn.

04:04:23.640 --> 04:04:25.760
So you can see that last one there jumping around.

04:04:25.760 --> 04:04:27.360
That's what they want to focus down.

04:04:27.360 --> 04:04:28.200
And down it goes.

04:04:28.200 --> 04:04:30.280
So now that boss, RP, is starting.

04:04:30.280 --> 04:04:32.680
Meanwhile, Ashaan going to go and reactivate that hex.

04:04:32.680 --> 04:04:36.040
Make sure that there will be one CC caster that can come in later.

04:04:36.040 --> 04:04:39.760
Now this boss has also changed a bit from the BFA version

04:04:39.760 --> 04:04:41.400
as Liquid getting in combat.

04:04:41.400 --> 04:04:45.240
And typically you want your DPS players to each soak one of these pillars.

04:04:45.240 --> 04:04:46.880
The healer also able to do it.

04:04:46.880 --> 04:04:53.400
Your tank should only do it as a very last resort as it does increase all of your physical damage taken while you're in one of those beams.

04:04:53.400 --> 04:04:56.040
But of course Wolf is going to carry. He's just going to stand and turret.

04:04:56.040 --> 04:05:01.320
If what happens to the spawn pod item, he might soak it, but said he's going to take care of that for him.

04:05:01.320 --> 04:05:05.160
They're going to let this Warlock sit back and free cast. Of course he's not going to pop the computers right now.

04:05:05.160 --> 04:05:07.280
Okay, now he has a shine with the top of his pile.

04:05:07.280 --> 04:05:10.600
But look at the damage from the Vengeance Demon Hunter. What is this class, Rados?

04:05:10.600 --> 04:05:13.920
Again, it's all about lining up that fiery brand and that meta, right?

04:05:13.920 --> 04:05:19.360
Fiery brand, hey, it gives you some damage reduction, but it also deals damage and increases their fire damage taken.

04:05:19.360 --> 04:05:21.680
And then your meta gives you those voidfall meteors.

04:05:22.120 --> 04:05:28.520
Now if you use all those on pull, you do a lot of damage on pull, the only problem is now you have no defences available if you need them.

04:05:29.080 --> 04:05:31.680
Now let's see if Big Lucky does have any spell seal tech.

04:05:31.680 --> 04:05:37.600
You get back in the day, I haven't played a mage this batch, but back in the day you used to be able to spell steal that damage buff that the Nimbus has buffed themselves with.

04:05:37.600 --> 04:05:40.960
That's something that might be available to them. It's a little bit of extra damage for the mage,

04:05:40.960 --> 04:05:45.840
but they're still so far behind. That will help close the gap just a little bit, but you can see the mage is doing it.

04:05:45.840 --> 04:05:50.480
Yeah, I mean, looking at the damage meter, I think it's a very solid theory that that might still be there.

04:05:50.480 --> 04:05:53.280
So you can see actually a double beam going into Loda for a sec.

04:05:53.280 --> 04:06:00.800
A lot of damage, even just from two of them, is able to stabilize for long enough for that beam to get intercepted by another player though.

04:06:00.800 --> 04:06:03.840
Liquid about 20% ahead on the boss.

04:06:03.840 --> 04:06:09.840
They keep on dealing this damage, but Lust is going to be ready in about 45 seconds for Liquid.

04:06:09.840 --> 04:06:15.120
I wonder when you use it in this dungeon because the last boss is not a traditional DPS boss, right?

04:06:15.120 --> 04:06:16.320
It's a healer boss.

04:06:16.320 --> 04:06:20.720
Right, I mean, the healer Lust is still really good, especially if you can get a one phase off on that boss.

04:06:20.720 --> 04:06:24.960
That can save a ton of time having to go through an entire extra phase of killing off the adds

04:06:24.960 --> 04:06:28.160
to make sure your healer can heal the immune boss once again.

04:06:28.160 --> 04:06:29.280
That would be massive.

04:06:29.280 --> 04:06:31.680
And either of our respender was pulled that off.

04:06:31.680 --> 04:06:32.960
You'll have to stay tuned to find out.

04:06:32.960 --> 04:06:38.320
but for now Liquid starting to open up the gap on Galvast once again off the back of the demo lock damage

04:06:38.320 --> 04:06:44.740
We'll just go absolutely shredding this boss down a 25% boss lead has now ballooned into a 35% boss lead

04:06:44.740 --> 04:06:47.800
If they're gonna start to open up the gap even more here Dranos

04:06:47.800 --> 04:06:48.440
All right

04:06:48.440 --> 04:06:55.520
We've got a little bit more health to get through but it is gonna be team Liquid taking down Galvast first one more boss

04:06:55.520 --> 04:06:58.720
Left in the dungeon, but first we have an exciting

04:06:58.720 --> 04:07:02.880
dodging the stun orbs gauntlet. Let's see if anybody gets stunned this time.

04:07:02.880 --> 04:07:07.960
Oh, okay, wait, that's dangerous, but they're able to take it before the wave of orbs gets by them and nobody gets stunned.

04:07:08.760 --> 04:07:13.680
They actually kill the spark channel. You don't necessarily need to. You can move on, but look at this. We're splitting up.

04:07:13.680 --> 04:07:16.920
They're not doing this solo. Boom's actually gonna solo this side here.

04:07:16.920 --> 04:07:20.560
He's gonna have to find a way to CC both his adds when they spawn.

04:07:20.560 --> 04:07:24.760
If he tricks us over the orb guardian, then he can maybe CC.

04:07:24.760 --> 04:07:26.000
No, he's just here.

04:07:26.000 --> 04:07:28.920
OK, all right, so he's brought the Orc Watcher from the other side.

04:07:28.920 --> 04:07:30.680
And maybe they'll be able to fight two of them.

04:07:30.680 --> 04:07:33.360
Yeah, there's two Orc Watchers in this poll for Liquid.

04:07:33.360 --> 04:07:36.840
Yeah, so what they can actually do is the casters on one side,

04:07:36.840 --> 04:07:38.080
they can herb a CC them.

04:07:38.080 --> 04:07:38.840
They can sap them.

04:07:38.840 --> 04:07:39.840
They can hex them.

04:07:39.840 --> 04:07:41.040
Or just go configure them.

04:07:41.040 --> 04:07:42.040
A shyness just over there.

04:07:42.040 --> 04:07:42.960
Over there, K.

04:07:42.960 --> 04:07:45.520
A shyness just happily just channeling the orb healing

04:07:45.520 --> 04:07:46.200
himself.

04:07:46.200 --> 04:07:48.240
Big lucky, only just now getting to the gauntlet.

04:07:48.240 --> 04:07:49.960
Liquid looks like they've already got both of the eyes

04:07:49.960 --> 04:07:50.880
available, though.

04:07:50.880 --> 04:07:52.440
Yeah, once you finish off those eyes,

04:07:52.440 --> 04:08:00.200
You can just take these temple disruptors forward and liquid are doing just that they are now running down the final section of the dungeon

04:08:00.200 --> 04:08:03.360
Big lucky though. It looks like have a bit of a similar plan here

04:08:03.360 --> 04:08:09.000
They are also hyper focused on getting these eyes of sceptre list restored liquid though

04:08:09.000 --> 04:08:15.200
Just a little bit more trash to pull before they can do that last boss the twisted hexer there at the very bottom of the stairs

04:08:15.200 --> 04:08:18.280
We are in combat with so many of these conscripts as well

04:08:18.280 --> 04:08:21.320
It's not going to be a heal or lust for Liquid though, as they pop it for this pull.

04:08:21.320 --> 04:08:25.480
The second that trash that was next to the boss area dies, they can get in combat with the boss

04:08:25.480 --> 04:08:29.960
and spawn it. They need to kill the trash as quickly as possible, but they will not have the lust

04:08:29.960 --> 04:08:34.120
for the healing phase. Is that going to be an issue for them? Is Big Lucky going to do the same thing?

04:08:34.120 --> 04:08:37.880
Yeah, we'll see when Big Lucky decides to use it, but that trash that needs to die for Liquid,

04:08:37.880 --> 04:08:43.080
it's that one tormentor that has just gone down, and the triangle mark texture, which is also down,

04:08:43.080 --> 04:08:49.320
So Liquid now able to pull the boss. Now this boss starts at 25% and you win when it gets to 100%.

04:08:49.320 --> 04:08:53.560
Your healer has to heal it, but big luck here having deaths now from these disruptors.

04:08:53.560 --> 04:08:59.160
It looks like some healer aggro there may have happened and they've lost two of their players.

04:08:59.160 --> 04:09:04.200
Vyrez was available for one, the other it looks like had to either release or onk

04:09:04.200 --> 04:09:06.920
as they're now going to run down the staircase as well.

04:09:06.920 --> 04:09:12.120
Meanwhile, Liquid over to the side here. Once that purple beam is being channeled into the boss,

04:09:12.120 --> 04:09:19.260
It's unable to be healed for a little while so they need to finish off this essence defiler before they can continue healing the avatar

04:09:19.260 --> 04:09:26.140
Big lucky's only hope at this point is for either too liquid to wipe or versus sebi to not have a way of

04:09:26.400 --> 04:09:30.440
One-facing the boss without the bloodbust big lucky. They're holding on to the lust

04:09:30.440 --> 04:09:34.300
They're not using it to clear this trash out their boss is gonna spawn later

04:09:34.340 --> 04:09:37.280
But if sebi's not able to one-face that could be the decider here

04:09:37.280 --> 04:09:43.420
Debbie now focused down by some of these faithless tormentors has to do a little bit of kiting very important to make sure that you keep them all

04:09:43.420 --> 04:09:45.940
Groups together as well whenever you're the healer here

04:09:45.940 --> 04:09:50.140
You don't want to move in such a way that those tormentors split up

04:09:50.140 --> 04:09:55.900
It looks like the sigilla chains from Yip's is gonna help gather this set of them each of those tormentors that you kill does do a

04:09:55.900 --> 04:09:58.600
Small amount of extra healing to the avatar as well

04:09:58.600 --> 04:10:04.280
So it's nice if you can spawn as many waves of them as possible before the next main phase begins

04:10:04.280 --> 04:10:08.420
Big lucky now in combat with that boss as well and they're holding on to that lust

04:10:08.420 --> 04:10:13.980
They might be able to use this healer lust to do a lot of that boss's health in a single go

04:10:14.140 --> 04:10:16.680
First phase liquid's gonna get the boss to about

04:10:17.200 --> 04:10:23.760
65% as the next set of ads spawn and they get another one of those shadow beams on top of the boss making the boss

04:10:24.200 --> 04:10:30.020
Big lucky able to get the boss that 34% mark that liquid was able to before the first healing phase as well

04:10:30.020 --> 04:10:33.140
They still have the Lust in the back pocket.

04:10:33.140 --> 04:10:35.980
Is that going to be enough to make up the difference here?

04:10:35.980 --> 04:10:36.860
I'm not sure.

04:10:36.860 --> 04:10:38.660
That is a lot of help to try and make up.

04:10:38.660 --> 04:10:39.500
But there it is.

04:10:39.500 --> 04:10:40.660
The Lust comes out.

04:10:40.660 --> 04:10:43.500
Loda starting to spam those Regrets to Swiftman as well.

04:10:43.500 --> 04:10:46.300
Going to do an instant huge burst of healing

04:10:46.300 --> 04:10:47.860
onto that avatar of Cessaralist.

04:10:47.860 --> 04:10:49.780
But Liquid already have it at 75%.

04:10:49.780 --> 04:10:52.260
They're already into that next healing phase.

04:10:52.260 --> 04:10:54.340
Big Lucky need to not just catch up.

04:10:54.340 --> 04:10:56.100
They need to overtake as well.

04:10:56.100 --> 04:10:59.220
They have 30 seconds of death timer disadvantage,

04:10:59.220 --> 04:11:04.340
but they might be veiled out if Liquid got another one of those defilers to spawn.

04:11:04.340 --> 04:11:08.260
That could be an opportunity for Big Lucky, but only 8% left.

04:11:08.260 --> 04:11:13.700
4 is a 7 to heal here for Liquid. Just a little bit more to go. He's almost oom, though.

04:11:13.700 --> 04:11:17.780
Every setup for our inters is more healing on the boss. Can they make it up than they do?

04:11:17.780 --> 04:11:21.140
Liquid secure Game 3 and put themselves on match points.

04:11:22.580 --> 04:11:27.940
Liquid have taken the next point and this sets them up to just have one more win

04:11:27.940 --> 04:11:32.140
and then become champions this is huge for them at a very exciting moment

04:11:32.140 --> 04:11:36.300
titles big lucky finish the boss there while we did cut to the in-screen and

04:11:36.300 --> 04:11:39.820
liquid one because the 30 seconds of death differential big lucky also finished

04:11:39.820 --> 04:11:42.940
the boss they did the one-fifth yes if they had if they didn't have those two

04:11:42.940 --> 04:11:46.180
deaths I'm pretty sure big lucky's winning that map geez again this is so

04:11:46.180 --> 04:11:51.820
close between these two teams it's absolutely incredible absolutely

04:11:51.820 --> 04:11:57.500
incredible to see and a liquid in this one they did seem to have a faster kind

04:11:57.500 --> 04:11:58.820
strategy at key points.

04:11:58.820 --> 04:12:00.980
Stratnos, what do you think made up that time for that?

04:12:00.980 --> 04:12:02.540
I liked the start of the dungeon for Liquid.

04:12:02.540 --> 04:12:03.380
I liked the middle of it.

04:12:03.380 --> 04:12:06.140
It seemed like they were gaining 10, 20 seconds here.

04:12:06.140 --> 04:12:07.020
I agree with Tettles though.

04:12:07.020 --> 04:12:09.300
I think if you can one phase that last boss,

04:12:09.300 --> 04:12:12.420
that is by far the single biggest infusion of timer

04:12:12.420 --> 04:12:14.660
that you can get in this dungeon.

04:12:14.660 --> 04:12:16.700
Yeah, I mean, it's definitely something to keep in mind,

04:12:16.700 --> 04:12:18.100
but we'll actually be able to look at this

04:12:18.100 --> 04:12:18.940
a little bit closer.

04:12:18.940 --> 04:12:20.700
Tettles, what are your thoughts on this map?

04:12:20.700 --> 04:12:22.100
All right, so similar to Stratnos,

04:12:22.100 --> 04:12:24.260
I thought that this map for the first,

04:12:24.260 --> 04:12:26.660
I don't know, I'd say 95% of it was the Liquid Show.

04:12:26.660 --> 04:12:28.540
You know, Liquid, they start the first boss.

04:12:28.540 --> 04:12:30.300
They're four seconds ahead on the first boss.

04:12:30.300 --> 04:12:32.180
Not too much difference on Ataris and Aspects.

04:12:32.180 --> 04:12:34.260
There is a little bit of a difference in terms of the time

04:12:34.260 --> 04:12:36.620
that it actually takes to get the second pull gathered,

04:12:36.620 --> 04:12:38.020
especially when you have to binge the Steven Hunter

04:12:38.020 --> 04:12:38.860
versus that Blood DK.

04:12:38.860 --> 04:12:41.540
Blood DK running down the hallway, a lot slower.

04:12:41.540 --> 04:12:42.420
The more difficult, right?

04:12:42.420 --> 04:12:43.940
You have the infernal structure on the Vingus Steven Hunter.

04:12:43.940 --> 04:12:46.180
It just allows you to get packs gathered a lot quicker.

04:12:46.180 --> 04:12:49.500
But then, Liquid are able to spawn Marek the way earlier,

04:12:49.500 --> 04:12:51.500
like 30 to 45 seconds earlier.

04:12:51.500 --> 04:12:53.660
And that is a huge deal, actually.

04:12:53.660 --> 04:12:55.540
Being able to focus down those trash mobs

04:12:55.540 --> 04:12:57.980
that required that boss to get spawned, like you can see on the left side of the screen

04:12:57.980 --> 04:12:58.980
right here.

04:12:58.980 --> 04:13:02.820
Big luckier still, just like, I think there's mobs that are like 55% HP there, meanwhile

04:13:02.820 --> 04:13:04.780
Liquid already has the boss spawned.

04:13:04.780 --> 04:13:08.780
And what that yielded to Liquid is then, then to be 30 seconds ahead coming off of this

04:13:08.780 --> 04:13:13.180
boss, allowing them to continue to accelerate further and further ahead.

04:13:13.180 --> 04:13:17.540
Then after that, it was Galvast, and Liquid somehow, I think it's copper-ligged, they

04:13:17.540 --> 04:13:19.540
were 40 seconds ahead coming out of Galvast.

04:13:19.540 --> 04:13:24.180
And so again, like I said, it was just kind of the Liquid show, and they put on this extremely

04:13:24.180 --> 04:13:29.620
cool strategy as well, where they were doing both of the orb sets for the gauntlet simultaneously.

04:13:29.620 --> 04:13:32.780
We didn't, I didn't really think about this before coming into the season.

04:13:32.780 --> 04:13:33.780
Extremely cool.

04:13:33.780 --> 04:13:35.380
Big Lucky did end up doing something similar.

04:13:35.380 --> 04:13:39.180
So I think that this was maybe a well-known secret for these MBI teams, but an insanely

04:13:39.180 --> 04:13:41.140
cool strategy.

04:13:41.140 --> 04:13:44.500
But for Big Lucky, those two deaths, they ended up having two people get meleeed to

04:13:44.500 --> 04:13:49.060
death by some of the defiler trash mobs that are kind of in this area.

04:13:49.060 --> 04:13:50.820
That ended up costing them 30 seconds.

04:13:50.820 --> 04:13:53.740
I think that the strategy, kind of like we talked about at the very end, where you would

04:13:53.740 --> 04:13:57.060
bloodlust to do that healer bloodlust to continue to heal the boss.

04:13:57.060 --> 04:14:00.700
It seems like a much faster strategy, and if Liquid had saw that, they would be like,

04:14:00.700 --> 04:14:01.700
oh, you know what?

04:14:01.700 --> 04:14:02.700
We're going to do that instead.

04:14:02.700 --> 04:14:05.620
But at the same time, big lucky, I feel like you have to be kind of kicking yourselves

04:14:05.620 --> 04:14:09.140
a little bit, costing yourself a map that you should have, you should have won with

04:14:09.140 --> 04:14:10.140
a much better strategy.

04:14:10.140 --> 04:14:13.260
Yeah, you never want to have those deaths, and of course it happens.

04:14:13.260 --> 04:14:18.140
These dungeons can be extremely perilous, especially early in the season, but big lucky,

04:14:18.140 --> 04:14:19.700
you know, some of the practice time they had.

04:14:19.700 --> 04:14:20.700
Yeah, Tettle?

04:14:20.700 --> 04:14:21.260
That was so cool.

04:14:21.260 --> 04:14:22.220
Liquid finished.

04:14:22.220 --> 04:14:24.460
Big Lucky was at like 98% of the boss.

04:14:24.460 --> 04:14:26.060
The boss actually ended up resolving right

04:14:26.060 --> 04:14:27.660
as we cut away from that screen.

04:14:27.660 --> 04:14:29.140
I mean, honestly, so impressive.

04:14:29.140 --> 04:14:32.060
And this has been such an incredible grand finals.

04:14:32.060 --> 04:14:34.220
Now we will be heading to match point.

04:14:34.220 --> 04:14:35.740
Liquid have two points on the board.

04:14:35.740 --> 04:14:38.460
We've got a map ahead of us here, Voidscar Arena,

04:14:38.460 --> 04:14:42.060
that could separate Liquid from championship, winning,

04:14:42.060 --> 04:14:44.660
victory, and Big Lucky from going home,

04:14:44.660 --> 04:14:47.700
or could be an opportunity for Big Lucky to come back, Zyra.

04:14:47.700 --> 04:14:49.980
And this is a dungeon we saw from Team Liquid yesterday.

04:14:49.980 --> 04:14:53.740
I'm going to be honest guys. I didn't really see any weaknesses in their strategy first map of the series

04:14:53.740 --> 04:14:55.860
So in theory this should be one of their most practice maps, right?

04:14:56.300 --> 04:14:56.780
Okay

04:14:56.780 --> 04:15:02.020
Well if it is practice then we'd hope to be able to have that time but from what we've kind of seen from them

04:15:02.020 --> 04:15:03.980
Do you think that they're going to be able to pull this off?

04:15:03.980 --> 04:15:06.220
Can they bring this back and even it out rat nose?

04:15:06.220 --> 04:15:13.140
I think so I think this is one of the greatest warlock dungeons ever there are so many good pulls for that demo lock that we saw them use in

04:15:13.140 --> 04:15:18.780
This dungeon yesterday nifty little gateway as well that they can use it's not one of the highest impact gateways

04:15:18.780 --> 04:15:24.480
But after that first boss skip a pack save a little bit of time don't have to do any stairs right the escalator

04:15:24.720 --> 04:15:28.280
For you instead. It's very nice. Okay. I think the first

04:15:28.280 --> 04:15:32.180
I would say a minute and a half of this dungeon are very pivotal

04:15:32.180 --> 04:15:36.640
How quickly are teams going to be able to get into that first boss room and get that trash gone?

04:15:36.640 --> 04:15:38.920
Let's start it at the same time actually getting the first boss spawned

04:15:38.920 --> 04:15:44.120
That's whenever you will do like your first check-in and be able to kind of understand like where the teams are ranking against one

04:15:44.120 --> 04:15:49.220
other is like when is that first boss getting spawned because the the back half of the dungeon is fairly consistent between these teams

04:15:49.220 --> 04:15:52.040
It is pretty consistent, but I mean again

04:15:52.040 --> 04:15:55.060
There's always room for surprises and especially if they can get the jump right off the bat

04:15:55.060 --> 04:15:59.660
I don't think you're right, but we're gonna get the jump here everybody. Can you make this room shake for these teams?

04:15:59.660 --> 04:16:01.660
Can you let them hear you?

04:16:05.620 --> 04:16:12.600
One more dungeon for team liquid to finally get the NDI trophy that they have never been able to get before

04:16:12.600 --> 04:16:20.600
Big Lucky with their backs up against the wall going for the first China MDI champion in over five years.

04:16:20.600 --> 04:16:23.600
Do they have what it takes? What are we going to see in this dungeon?

04:16:23.600 --> 04:16:27.600
First off, of course, like Tedels was saying, we need to get to that first room as quickly as possible.

04:16:27.600 --> 04:16:29.600
Big stakes here for both teams.

04:16:29.600 --> 04:16:35.600
Big Lucky are going to swap back to that Holy Paladin again for Loda, a comfort pick at this point.

04:16:35.600 --> 04:16:38.600
They also have that Mage once again in here.

04:16:38.600 --> 04:16:43.960
Wild Team Liquid already done with that first mini-boss onto the second here.

04:16:43.960 --> 04:16:47.880
A little bit of a dangerous pull, but they're just chaining forward though, and you can see

04:16:47.880 --> 04:16:53.080
by the way they're playing, they know that they just need to focus damage into this mini-boss,

04:16:53.080 --> 04:16:57.240
because that's what opens the door. They can just leave this dominated brawler at 5% health,

04:16:57.240 --> 04:17:00.840
kick it if it does another one of those roars, and not worry about it otherwise.

04:17:00.840 --> 04:17:03.560
Yeah, and you can see they're actually just perfectly cleaving down these arms of destruction.

04:17:03.560 --> 04:17:07.320
Again, I feel like I'm broken record here talking about this Demo Warlock pick,

04:17:07.320 --> 04:17:10.120
but it really has been the standout star for this team.

04:17:10.120 --> 04:17:12.120
It's just so good for always having damage.

04:17:12.120 --> 04:17:14.720
This mob will die so much faster for them because of it.

04:17:14.720 --> 04:17:16.320
Now, did Big Lucky go to the other side?

04:17:16.320 --> 04:17:17.520
They did. They went left. Yeah.

04:17:17.520 --> 04:17:19.020
They're fighting the warrior, mini boss.

04:17:19.020 --> 04:17:20.820
Not one that I usually like to fight.

04:17:20.820 --> 04:17:23.620
Very scary here. You can see, like in the AWC,

04:17:23.620 --> 04:17:25.920
they're all in that champion sphere.

04:17:25.920 --> 04:17:27.520
They are able to get the AMZ down.

04:17:27.520 --> 04:17:29.520
So I guess it does sort of help group them up for that,

04:17:29.520 --> 04:17:31.020
and they're able to kill it off in time.

04:17:31.020 --> 04:17:36.220
Blessing of protection actually used there as well on RJBC from Loda.

04:17:36.220 --> 04:17:41.220
A lot of physical damage on this side of the room, so maybe that's why they decided to go this way.

04:17:41.220 --> 04:17:45.220
They're playing the Holy Paladin. That's a great anti-physical damage healer.

04:17:45.220 --> 04:17:53.220
Once again, just like at the Temple of Satherlis, Liquid dealing with that many boss significantly faster than we saw from Big Lucky here.

04:17:53.220 --> 04:17:57.220
Once again, off the back of the Tyrant Cooldown, being up once again from Wolf Disco.

04:17:57.220 --> 04:18:01.220
They're already through the first crashback as well and are ready to spawn that first group.

04:18:01.220 --> 04:18:02.780
Lots of dangerous enemies in here.

04:18:02.780 --> 04:18:06.460
Chidagoth probably the highest amount of DPS on the group

04:18:06.460 --> 04:18:08.020
that you're gonna have to contend with,

04:18:08.020 --> 04:18:09.620
regardless of how you play it.

04:18:09.620 --> 04:18:11.420
Brutup there does a lot of damage.

04:18:11.420 --> 04:18:13.500
Every time he takes a step,

04:18:13.500 --> 04:18:16.500
but Sleeper, one of the most dangerous mobs in this area,

04:18:16.500 --> 04:18:18.820
is the Turtle with its protective shell,

04:18:18.820 --> 04:18:21.260
providing damage reduction to all the nearby enemies.

04:18:21.260 --> 04:18:24.660
So focusing it down when it gets stunned is very valuable.

04:18:24.660 --> 04:18:26.980
Yeah, the nice tech that big lucky have available

04:18:26.980 --> 04:18:28.100
to them with the Blood Decay

04:18:28.100 --> 04:18:30.140
is the second that Turtle stuns itself,

04:18:30.140 --> 04:18:32.980
They can rip it in and cleave it down with the damage app on it.

04:18:32.980 --> 04:18:35.060
They don't have to worry about focusing damage into it.

04:18:35.060 --> 04:18:37.260
Liquid don't have that available in their toolbox.

04:18:37.260 --> 04:18:39.260
So they'll have to figure out another way to deal with that

04:18:39.260 --> 04:18:40.140
once it happens.

04:18:40.140 --> 04:18:41.700
For the time being, they've got it off to the side.

04:18:41.700 --> 04:18:43.500
They're not worrying about it too much, just cleaving down

04:18:43.500 --> 04:18:44.380
all of this trash.

04:18:44.380 --> 04:18:45.780
Yeah, looks like they don't have.

04:18:45.780 --> 04:18:47.540
They might not even be in combat with it yet.

04:18:47.540 --> 04:18:49.340
It's off over to the side somewhere.

04:18:49.340 --> 04:18:52.620
All of this extra trash, though, getting pretty low.

04:18:52.620 --> 04:18:53.500
Four team liquid.

04:18:53.500 --> 04:18:54.380
Chidagoth nearly dead.

04:18:54.380 --> 04:18:56.620
And there you can see that dome coming in from the left hand

04:18:56.620 --> 04:18:56.980
side.

04:18:56.980 --> 04:18:58.020
Four team liquid.

04:18:58.020 --> 04:18:59.380
That is the protective turtle.

04:18:59.380 --> 04:19:02.980
And as soon as that shell guard goes down, they are going to want to focus it down.

04:19:02.980 --> 04:19:06.580
It goes close enough for the sigil of change, so Yip's going to grip it in on top of the rest of the trash.

04:19:06.580 --> 04:19:12.780
But the trash is not living that much longer, so all you have to do is single down this poor turtle that's now stunned and taking extra damage.

04:19:12.780 --> 04:19:17.280
Alright, nicely done by Team Liquid. That's going to be the boss spawning for them first.

04:19:17.280 --> 04:19:20.780
They are going to take a little bit of extra trash into it as well.

04:19:20.780 --> 04:19:24.280
That's going to help Boone do even more damage to this boss.

04:19:24.280 --> 04:19:27.100
And they've got a couple of cooldowns here, although not much.

04:19:27.100 --> 04:19:31.580
It's just gonna be a tyrant in a few seconds, and gotta wait a minute for a shine in Boomi's.

04:19:31.580 --> 04:19:39.880
I feel like we're broken records again, just the tyrant available, but that tyrant is so formidable, so much damage coming out from the Warlock every minute.

04:19:40.480 --> 04:19:45.560
Liquid though, pulling the boss almost 15 seconds earlier than Big Lucky.

04:19:45.560 --> 04:19:48.120
Big Lucky have to make up some big boss damage here.

04:19:48.600 --> 04:19:52.120
Yeah, a little bit of damage will be available for them soon as well.

04:19:52.120 --> 04:19:58.440
that arcane surge coming up cool down in just a sec here and the shaman and rogue ones soon

04:19:58.440 --> 04:20:04.560
to follow both teams on a very similar cool down cadence in this dungeon. They navigate

04:20:04.560 --> 04:20:07.720
through this room. They're making sure to bait all of these images over on the same

04:20:07.720 --> 04:20:12.880
side so that they can always have a safe direction to move for the dodges afterwards.

04:20:12.880 --> 04:20:18.420
So far so good for both of our teams here again. We just keep a steady lead on the first

04:20:18.420 --> 04:20:22.420
boss here. It's a single target race to the end here, but the pathways can handle

04:20:22.420 --> 04:20:26.100
that verge after this, right? We saw Liquid going for a double harrower plus

04:20:26.100 --> 04:20:30.100
mini-moss pull on their end, whereas what we saw from Mandatory was more of a

04:20:30.100 --> 04:20:33.900
bigger, a bigger, safer AoE pull, but I think it's a lot of count in that area.

04:20:33.900 --> 04:20:37.100
Yeah, the harrowers they were about to see, there are some of these enemies that you think about.

04:20:37.100 --> 04:20:40.500
You're like, why would you ever pull this? It's so dangerous, it's got so much health,

04:20:40.500 --> 04:20:44.900
and then it dies and you get 8% count. You're like, okay, that's why we're going to pull this thing.

04:20:44.900 --> 04:20:48.580
So that is Liquid's strategy after this, at least it was yesterday.

04:20:48.580 --> 04:20:52.420
Still not sure what big luck he will be up to, though, at the top of those stairs.

04:20:52.420 --> 04:20:54.300
First, they have to finish off this boss.

04:20:54.300 --> 04:20:58.340
It is about a 20% health advantage for Team Liquid

04:20:58.340 --> 04:21:01.380
as they're getting ready for this final push on the boss.

04:21:01.380 --> 04:21:02.460
It'll be a little bit awkward, though.

04:21:02.460 --> 04:21:05.500
A shine and multisco both cut off from the rest of the team

04:21:05.500 --> 04:21:07.660
having to travel over that void zone

04:21:07.660 --> 04:21:11.420
and now dodging a barrage of these projectiles.

04:21:11.420 --> 04:21:16.240
But they're able to dodge them, and Tazro will go down for Team Liquid first.

04:21:16.240 --> 04:21:20.560
20% ahead of Big Lucky, right into the gateway from Wolf Disco.

04:21:20.560 --> 04:21:22.060
He's got that Soul Shard popped.

04:21:22.060 --> 04:21:24.960
Gonna cast that gateway, they're gonna take the elevator right up to the top here

04:21:24.960 --> 04:21:29.100
in just a moment after mounting up, and we are on to the next pull for Team Liquid.

04:21:29.100 --> 04:21:32.940
First of those heroers pull into the brutal overseer, but they're not done.

04:21:32.940 --> 04:21:34.840
They're gonna run up and grab the next hero as well.

04:21:34.840 --> 04:21:37.380
Every single one of these AoEs has to be soaked.

04:21:37.380 --> 04:21:38.700
There could be some nasty overlaps, right?

04:21:38.700 --> 04:21:39.940
I know some of you have two of the heroers.

04:21:39.940 --> 04:21:42.280
I love how Wolf Disco is like, yeah, you guys have to soak that.

04:21:42.280 --> 04:21:45.280
Not me, though. I'm a warlock. I'm busy doing damage right now.

04:21:45.840 --> 04:21:47.840
You've got top to me. I'm busy doing damage.

04:21:47.840 --> 04:21:48.640
Every warlock.

04:21:48.640 --> 04:21:49.640
I've got a cast.

04:21:49.640 --> 04:21:54.440
Loomi drops super low from that soak, but it is a calculated risk by Team Liquid.

04:21:54.440 --> 04:21:56.440
They know exactly how much damage that's going to do.

04:21:56.440 --> 04:22:00.940
They know Wolf Disco's casts are more important than splitting that damage more ways.

04:22:00.940 --> 04:22:02.940
Once again, another slam coming out.

04:22:02.940 --> 04:22:05.440
These are going to be constant throughout the fight, and at the same time,

04:22:05.440 --> 04:22:07.440
they need to make sure they're focusing down that overseer.

04:22:07.440 --> 04:22:10.380
Every single- every single time the shield goes up, it's the ramping damage from that.

04:22:10.380 --> 04:22:15.180
Can very easily kill you off when you talk about soaking all of the same weak damage down a player.

04:22:15.180 --> 04:22:16.840
Yeah, this is a lot of damage.

04:22:16.840 --> 04:22:18.940
Meanwhile, big lucky are gonna go the other way.

04:22:18.940 --> 04:22:21.040
They've got these Void sides instead.

04:22:21.040 --> 04:22:22.840
A lot of screamers over here as well.

04:22:22.840 --> 04:22:26.140
They need to make sure they interrupt every single one of these fears.

04:22:26.140 --> 04:22:28.840
There's a brutal overseer as well on both sides.

04:22:28.840 --> 04:22:31.540
Very annoying mob because the longer it stays alive,

04:22:31.540 --> 04:22:33.640
the more often it puts a big shield on itself.

04:22:33.640 --> 04:22:36.240
That means you have to just take even more time to kill it.

04:22:36.240 --> 04:22:40.720
Liquid focusing the Overseer down on there, and it goes down in just a moment here.

04:22:40.720 --> 04:22:43.080
They do not want to get another shield. They're able to beat it.

04:22:43.080 --> 04:22:45.760
That's huge for Team Liquid over on the side of Big Lucky.

04:22:45.760 --> 04:22:47.920
That Overseer, I believe it's already dead for them.

04:22:47.920 --> 04:22:50.120
They've been deep-yesing that down, focusing down on their side as well.

04:22:50.120 --> 04:22:53.360
But Liquid, already done with their trash, already moving on to the second boss,

04:22:53.360 --> 04:22:55.920
whereas Big Lucky, they're still dealing with the remains of this pull.

04:22:55.920 --> 04:22:58.560
Yeah, you might be thinking, like, this is a much bigger pull for Big Lucky,

04:22:58.560 --> 04:23:01.760
but because those Harrowers are worth so much count,

04:23:01.760 --> 04:23:05.240
Team Liquid are going to end up with basically the same enemy forces

04:23:05.240 --> 04:23:11.240
What all is said and done here, but they get in combat now with the second boss taking it over to the right hand side

04:23:11.240 --> 04:23:18.420
Near that pool where the first ad will spawn from big lucky not far behind either. They're now taking the portal upstairs as well

04:23:19.280 --> 04:23:26.960
Not many cooldowns available here for big lucky as they had as a boss liquid though a perfect lineup for them as they had the death mark

04:23:26.960 --> 04:23:29.360
Available on full they had the tyrant available on full

04:23:29.360 --> 04:23:33.400
They've already got a trough system to 70% only now as big big lucky is pulling the boss

04:23:33.400 --> 04:23:36.800
Gips, like you said, has the boss in position to keep down the ad when it's fought.

04:23:36.800 --> 04:23:39.300
So you can make sure not to get meleeed by that as a tanker.

04:23:39.300 --> 04:23:41.400
You can very easily get comboed up by the boss.

04:23:41.400 --> 04:23:45.100
More here gonna put his damage to the group, but that's something that said he can't heal through.

04:23:45.100 --> 04:23:47.100
They have this first ad spotting in just a moment.

04:23:47.100 --> 04:23:50.500
Boss HP about 30% in favor of Team Liquid.

04:23:50.500 --> 04:23:53.900
That first toxic creeper being kited by Yps through the boss.

04:23:53.900 --> 04:23:57.800
He's doing a little bit of side strafing, which is gonna keep it moving a little bit more slowly.

04:23:57.800 --> 04:23:59.300
Ooh, he does get auto though.

04:23:59.300 --> 04:24:02.400
You gotta look out now. Look at that debuff on Yps' frame.

04:24:02.400 --> 04:24:04.200
That is a 5 minute debuff.

04:24:04.200 --> 04:24:08.700
Goes away when the boss dies, but it means he's taking 50% increased nature damage,

04:24:08.700 --> 04:24:10.700
and there is a lot of nature damage on this fight.

04:24:10.700 --> 04:24:13.300
They're dropping a little low there, but he still has the last resort in the back pocket.

04:24:13.300 --> 04:24:15.200
If he has to use it here, I'm sure he'd be okay with it.

04:24:15.200 --> 04:24:16.700
He'd like to have it for the next route,

04:24:16.700 --> 04:24:19.000
because they're going to go for some pretty massive pulls there.

04:24:19.000 --> 04:24:21.700
But for the time being, looking okay on the side of Liquid.

04:24:21.700 --> 04:24:24.200
Big Lucky made up a little bit of ground on this boss,

04:24:24.200 --> 04:24:26.400
but only 5% of the boss really closer.

04:24:26.400 --> 04:24:28.500
Remember, they were 30% behind when they pulled the boss.

04:24:28.500 --> 04:24:30.200
They'll take anything they could at this point.

04:24:30.200 --> 04:24:36.020
Both teams keeping it so consistent here with how close together it is just one death could make the difference

04:24:36.320 --> 04:24:43.040
Yeah, the previous series between liquid and mandatory was decided by a massive pole at the top of the stairs here

04:24:43.040 --> 04:24:46.840
We'll see how this works out for team liquid. It's very near in their future

04:24:46.920 --> 04:24:49.760
Big lucky have been accelerating a little bit on this boss

04:24:49.760 --> 04:24:55.080
They close they close that gap from 30% to 20 on the boss HB

04:24:55.080 --> 04:25:01.200
But Liquid's still gonna be the team that gets this boss down first. Let's see how they set up this next pull

04:25:01.200 --> 04:25:05.800
This could be the pull that decides whether or not they are MDI champions

04:25:06.120 --> 04:25:11.220
Team Liquid standing strong match point for them if they win this series

04:25:11.220 --> 04:25:17.120
They win BlizzCon, but there are some nasty enemies in the way here every single one of these devouring brutalizers

04:25:17.120 --> 04:25:22.400
Is a potential white point if a tank does not take one of those brutalizers if it goes on a male ADPS player

04:25:22.400 --> 04:25:28.080
They could get one shot. We saw it happen to mandatory yesterday and that that turned into an entire group life for them

04:25:28.080 --> 04:25:36.000
They need to stay clean here. Yipps carefully adding this second brutalizer into this hole a slow chain of extra enemies

04:25:36.080 --> 04:25:42.520
Lots of very deadly poles around here that you do not want to get in combat with you can see that devour cast coming out as

04:25:42.520 --> 04:25:44.160
Well on the low HP screamer

04:25:44.160 --> 04:25:47.280
They want to make sure that they finish that off before the devour finishes

04:25:47.280 --> 04:25:50.500
Otherwise, the Brutalizer will heal up and get a damage buff.

04:25:50.500 --> 04:25:53.000
That would be very, very bad news for Team Liquid.

04:25:53.000 --> 04:25:54.640
Bumi's cheat death is going to be used there.

04:25:54.640 --> 04:25:55.840
Cloak of Shadows potentially.

04:25:55.840 --> 04:25:56.680
No, it's still available.

04:25:56.680 --> 04:25:59.120
Okay, so you've got a little bit of a safety net,

04:25:59.120 --> 04:26:00.960
but it does need to be used proactively.

04:26:00.960 --> 04:26:02.220
Meanwhile, big lucky.

04:26:02.220 --> 04:26:03.760
What are they going to do up here?

04:26:03.760 --> 04:26:05.860
I can see some enemies coming in from the right-hand side

04:26:05.860 --> 04:26:08.200
for them, something that Team Liquid didn't do.

04:26:08.200 --> 04:26:10.460
It looks like they also are interested in at least one.

04:26:10.460 --> 04:26:12.860
There's the second Brutalizer as well.

04:26:12.860 --> 04:26:13.840
Two of the Brutalizers.

04:26:13.840 --> 04:26:14.960
Ari dead for Liquid here.

04:26:14.960 --> 04:26:16.360
They're gathering up the third now.

04:26:16.360 --> 04:26:21.000
Also with the Void side, that's a scary mob on top, but that need to make sure that they're able to deal with the cast from there.

04:26:21.160 --> 04:26:26.300
Shun gets the lay on hands to survive here. Very dangerous moment there for the Blood Decay.

04:26:26.300 --> 04:26:30.880
Can it increase his armor for a bit? Actually, very nice little Holy Paladin talent that might help him stay alive,

04:26:30.880 --> 04:26:32.880
but look at his health bar just yo-yoing around wildly.

04:26:32.880 --> 04:26:33.380
Oh my god.

04:26:33.380 --> 04:26:36.400
That's what we can use. He's still having trouble stabilizing though.

04:26:36.400 --> 04:26:42.320
There's just so much damage coming in there. Looks like he is going to be okay building back up that runic power.

04:26:42.320 --> 04:26:47.220
Meanwhile, on the side of Team Liquid, this trash pool getting super low as well.

04:26:47.220 --> 04:26:51.120
Yip's still with that last resort available about to get back to meta as well.

04:26:51.120 --> 04:26:53.120
I mean, that was the bubble stack used from Lota as well.

04:26:53.120 --> 04:26:54.520
Big Lucky is running out of cooldowns.

04:26:54.520 --> 04:26:57.320
If Shun gets in trouble one more time, he could go down very easily.

04:26:57.320 --> 04:26:58.820
They have literally nothing available.

04:26:58.820 --> 04:27:00.820
Shun dropping low once again on this pull.

04:27:00.820 --> 04:27:02.120
Easy to find a way to stay alive.

04:27:02.120 --> 04:27:03.220
Brutalize going out on the main.

04:27:03.220 --> 04:27:05.220
We'll live through that once again with another Vant Blood.

04:27:05.220 --> 04:27:07.620
But they are in dire straits over on the side of Big Lucky.

04:27:07.620 --> 04:27:10.220
This is such a scary pull for those Blood Depth Knights,

04:27:10.220 --> 04:27:16.200
but it does look like shun has been able to get through the worst of it still a bit more trash going to be needed for big

04:27:16.200 --> 04:27:21.220
Lucky meanwhile team liquid are going to take 10% more count onto the boss

04:27:21.220 --> 04:27:26.660
This is it liquids through the pole one more boss left one more pole of trash

04:27:26.660 --> 04:27:32.780
They have the bloodlust ready for this pole all they have to do is live through cronus one final time

04:27:32.780 --> 04:27:35.280
And in a will have its first champion in seven years

04:27:35.660 --> 04:27:40.040
Stamping or pop they're up at the top of the stairs already and there is that bloodlust

04:27:40.220 --> 04:27:45.020
Let's see just how quickly they are able to take this boss from 100 to 0.

04:27:45.520 --> 04:27:46.920
Cool Down's available here.

04:27:46.920 --> 04:27:50.520
Everything across the board. Ascendance pops. Deathmark on the boss.

04:27:50.520 --> 04:27:53.520
Tyrant available. Bloodlust active on the entire team.

04:27:53.520 --> 04:27:55.320
I've spread out for this crash here.

04:27:55.320 --> 04:27:58.920
Afterwards, need to make sure they get these orbs into the planets around them.

04:27:58.920 --> 04:28:01.720
Need to make sure they don't overlap. Need to make sure they don't accidentally

04:28:02.120 --> 04:28:04.420
try to go for the same orb. The communication is there.

04:28:04.420 --> 04:28:06.920
They've got three players in different spots. They're good to go on here.

04:28:06.920 --> 04:28:09.620
Ashaa just needs to get around that last one and they're good to go here.

04:28:09.620 --> 04:28:13.060
In the meantime, Gret knows the Bloodlust push as the boss sub 50 already.

04:28:13.060 --> 04:28:17.060
That boss already nearly dead here for Liquid and Lust is still rolling.

04:28:17.060 --> 04:28:19.380
Meanwhile, Big Lucky hot on their heels here.

04:28:19.380 --> 04:28:22.660
A little bit more count needed, but they are running up these stairs as well.

04:28:22.660 --> 04:28:24.340
But this is going to be such a scary pull.

04:28:24.340 --> 04:28:26.420
They're taking a Void Siphon to the boss.

04:28:26.420 --> 04:28:30.420
Big Lucky doing everything in their power to keep it close to give themselves a chance.

04:28:30.420 --> 04:28:32.340
But Liquid is so far ahead.

04:28:32.340 --> 04:28:34.420
They have most of the trash that already.

04:28:34.420 --> 04:28:35.620
Boss sub 30%.

04:28:35.620 --> 04:28:37.460
Big Lucky only just now pulling the boss.

04:28:37.460 --> 04:28:42.900
Just a little bit more count needed here for Team Liquid as well, but it is dying under the boss.

04:28:42.900 --> 04:28:50.420
25% HP as Big Lucky. A big burst on pull here. They've already got the boss down to 75%,

04:28:50.420 --> 04:28:56.980
but Team Liquid just so far ahead at this point. Last few trash mobs going down for them. They

04:28:56.980 --> 04:29:02.260
need to finish off that shaman as well, but there's just nothing that Big Lucky can do.

04:29:02.260 --> 04:29:05.780
The boss 10% HP here for Team Liquid.

04:29:05.780 --> 04:29:08.580
There is no way they could lose it from here.

04:29:08.580 --> 04:29:11.860
Team Liquid are gonna win the MDI.

04:29:11.860 --> 04:29:15.060
3-1, they are your champions.

04:29:16.420 --> 04:29:18.180
Liquid have done it.

04:29:18.980 --> 04:29:22.980
They have taken the championship here at BlizzCon 2026.

04:29:22.980 --> 04:29:32.660
They had something to prove, and they proved it.

04:29:32.660 --> 04:29:36.140
They have taken this for themselves, and they have stood here on the stage in front of all

04:29:36.140 --> 04:29:42.140
of you, proving that NA is a high contestant as well as the mythic dungeon international

04:29:42.140 --> 04:29:44.580
that EU can't reign forever.

04:29:44.580 --> 04:29:49.380
I mean, this was an incredible series, and Liquid have had a journey through this season

04:29:49.380 --> 04:29:51.220
that is so powerful, Teddles.

04:29:51.220 --> 04:29:53.540
A shine coming off the stage yesterday.

04:29:53.540 --> 04:29:56.220
He said he hadn't won since 2018.

04:29:56.220 --> 04:29:57.620
He said it was coming home.

04:29:57.620 --> 04:30:00.580
He was hot after that mandatory win.

04:30:00.580 --> 04:30:01.500
Liquid came out.

04:30:01.500 --> 04:30:03.740
They lost that map one in the blinding veil,

04:30:03.740 --> 04:30:06.420
and then they hit the three maps in a row

04:30:06.420 --> 04:30:11.260
to be able to take it down and win BlizzCon 2026.

04:30:11.260 --> 04:30:13.580
You know, after that first win from Big Lucky,

04:30:13.580 --> 04:30:14.900
you can tell they were feeling the pressure,

04:30:14.900 --> 04:30:16.780
but they did it regardless,

04:30:16.780 --> 04:30:20.060
and they absolutely definitively have proven

04:30:20.060 --> 04:30:25.060
That team Liquid is going to be your coolest Con 2026 champions.

04:30:25.260 --> 04:30:26.520
I mean, this was amazing, Dreadnought,

04:30:26.520 --> 04:30:30.160
to just get to see them come in here and to know that for so many of them,

04:30:30.160 --> 04:30:32.360
like Tuddles was saying, this has so much meaning.

04:30:32.560 --> 04:30:34.660
What a deserving group of players as well.

04:30:34.660 --> 04:30:36.560
They played those series so well.

04:30:36.560 --> 04:30:38.920
They came in with that meta read as well.

04:30:38.920 --> 04:30:42.860
The only team on that vengeance even under the only team on that warlock

04:30:42.860 --> 04:30:44.360
able to make this happen.

04:30:44.360 --> 04:30:46.160
I mean, it was a lot of just incredible play.

04:30:46.160 --> 04:30:48.360
And that was a masterclass run from them there.

04:30:48.360 --> 04:30:52.040
I mean, Zyra, we can see the players now moving across the stage of the audience.

04:30:52.040 --> 04:30:55.240
Everybody here just beaming the cheers going up.

04:30:55.240 --> 04:30:59.240
We are very happy to say once again that here and now,

04:31:01.160 --> 04:31:03.800
they are going to be raising these trophies high.

04:31:04.360 --> 04:31:07.480
And we can say this is Liquid on your blizzcon!

04:31:07.480 --> 04:31:12.440
Twenty-twenty-six missing dungeon international grand champion.

04:31:12.440 --> 04:31:14.600
And the crowd is electric here.

04:31:14.600 --> 04:31:17.480
Oh my gosh, it's the first time that we've had the blizzcon.

04:31:17.480 --> 04:31:24.080
MDI here since 2019 and you guys all in the audience have been showing up and cheering them on the entire time.

04:31:24.080 --> 04:31:26.680
We have absolutely loved being here with everyone and the teams have too.

04:31:26.680 --> 04:31:31.080
This has meant the world to all of us and just being with everyone live.

04:31:31.080 --> 04:31:37.980
I mean, you can feel this race in a way that even when we're remote, the excitement is there, but this is so intense.

04:31:37.980 --> 04:31:42.580
Now, Aya has our winning team, your champions for the Mythic Dungeon International.

04:31:42.580 --> 04:31:45.080
Aya, they've got to be feeling good right now.

04:31:47.480 --> 04:31:57.480
Hello, hello, everyone. I am here with Team Liquid, our new BlizzCon champions.

04:31:57.480 --> 04:32:03.600
All right, well, Stevi, you guys have had an incredible year. You just came off a win

04:32:03.600 --> 04:32:08.040
of Race to World First, and now you are BlizzCon champions. How does this moment feel to you?

04:32:08.040 --> 04:32:12.640
I mean, it feels amazing. We've been chasing a tournament win for a few years now. We've

04:32:12.640 --> 04:32:17.040
been so close so many times and being able to finally accomplish it in front of a massive

04:32:17.040 --> 04:32:19.920
crowd on the land event. It just was awesome. Thank you guys.

04:32:24.520 --> 04:32:25.400
All right, it's

04:32:27.240 --> 04:32:31.040
you guys obviously have such incredible friendship and incredible bond. We can see

04:32:31.040 --> 04:32:34.820
it on the screens. We can see it here in the room as well. What does it mean to

04:32:34.820 --> 04:32:38.880
share this win with people that you've shared such highs and lows with? I mean,

04:32:38.960 --> 04:32:42.840
these guys have been friends for so long and it's one of the probably the best

04:32:42.840 --> 04:32:46.900
team ever played on and we're also good to be each other and we're kind of

04:32:46.900 --> 04:32:50.580
like a family so it's just amazing to be on stage and be able to win with everyone. It's awesome.

04:32:53.940 --> 04:33:00.820
All right well Tisco you can see out in the audience how many fans, how many jerseys,

04:33:00.820 --> 04:33:06.420
how many flags of Team Liquid supporters there are. How does that feel? It feels amazing.

04:33:06.980 --> 04:33:13.220
We've been here for one month and it's just been continuous support from start to finish. From

04:33:13.220 --> 04:33:15.380
from the race to MDI.

04:33:15.380 --> 04:33:17.780
There's so many people being so nice and friendly.

04:33:17.780 --> 04:33:18.620
It's awesome.

04:33:18.620 --> 04:33:19.860
Thank you, everyone.

04:33:19.860 --> 04:33:24.980
All right, speaking of one month,

04:33:24.980 --> 04:33:27.420
you've been staying at hotels, Airbnb's.

04:33:27.420 --> 04:33:28.620
I know some of those competitors

04:33:28.620 --> 04:33:31.700
have been practicing in the internet cafes.

04:33:31.700 --> 04:33:34.260
How does it feel to finally get a moment to rest?

04:33:34.260 --> 04:33:36.260
Amazing, I'm going straight to bed.

04:33:38.340 --> 04:33:40.060
Well deserved, well deserved.

04:33:40.060 --> 04:33:42.300
All right, I'm coming to you.

04:33:42.300 --> 04:33:44.840
We are back here on the desk, but, oh, sorry.

04:33:44.840 --> 04:33:46.240
Aya, please continue.

04:33:46.240 --> 04:33:48.360
I got one more, one more, Rook, hold on.

04:33:48.360 --> 04:33:49.720
All right, any final thoughts from you?

04:33:49.720 --> 04:33:52.960
Anything you want to say to the folks watching back home?

04:33:52.960 --> 04:33:54.480
I mean, just thank you for the support.

04:33:54.480 --> 04:33:56.160
All has been so many years.

04:33:56.160 --> 04:33:57.360
I've been chasing this feeling,

04:33:57.360 --> 04:33:59.000
and there's like nothing better than doing to you

04:33:59.000 --> 04:34:01.680
a lot of bliss going in front of like amazing crowd.

04:34:01.680 --> 04:34:02.520
Thank you for the energy.

04:34:02.520 --> 04:34:04.200
Just thank you all.

04:34:04.200 --> 04:34:05.080
I have nothing else to add.

04:34:05.080 --> 04:34:06.960
Just words can't describe this feeling.

04:34:06.960 --> 04:34:10.120
All right, one more time.

04:34:10.120 --> 04:34:12.280
Let's hear it for Team Liquid, our MDI.

04:34:12.280 --> 04:34:13.780
the Blue Scone Champion.

04:34:13.780 --> 04:34:19.980
All right, I do have a special guest as well.

04:34:19.980 --> 04:34:22.180
We've got Kyle Heartline.

04:34:22.180 --> 04:34:25.880
He is our lead World of Warcraft designer and he wants to say a few words as well.

04:34:25.880 --> 04:34:27.180
Woo, that's okay.

04:34:27.180 --> 04:34:30.680
I've almost fallen on that stage a few times, but I can't come on over here.

04:34:30.680 --> 04:34:34.280
All right, we came from humble beginnings with MDI.

04:34:34.280 --> 04:34:36.680
You and me, the whole crew backstage.

04:34:36.680 --> 04:34:39.780
How does it feel to finally have MDI back on the Blue Scone stage?

04:34:39.780 --> 04:34:40.880
It's about time.

04:34:46.420 --> 04:34:48.900
Mythic Dungeons have been a part of WoW for 10 years

04:34:48.900 --> 04:34:51.580
and we've been dreaming up MDI ever since then.

04:34:51.580 --> 04:34:55.300
And it is such a treat to have it back here on the stage,

04:34:55.300 --> 04:34:58.260
players from all over the world and all the fans out here.

04:34:58.260 --> 04:35:01.460
Thank you so much for your support and your love.

04:35:01.460 --> 04:35:04.820
And we'll keep this going for as long as we can.

04:35:04.820 --> 04:35:05.660
You bet.

04:35:09.780 --> 04:35:15.140
And it's just an honor to be here representing the hundreds of people that work on wow behind the scenes

04:35:15.940 --> 04:35:18.820
Thank you so much, and we won't let you down

04:35:22.180 --> 04:35:27.160
All right anything else you want to add let's just give it up one more time for your winners liquid

04:35:33.140 --> 04:35:35.580
All right now we're back on desk honestly

04:35:35.580 --> 04:35:39.020
I've just been so excited to even just talk about and relive that moment

04:35:39.020 --> 04:35:45.940
I mean liquid huge win for them and it means so much to the team with their history as well as just knowing they can round out this year

04:35:45.940 --> 04:35:48.180
I think really having accomplished pretty much everything titles

04:35:48.180 --> 04:35:52.880
So you say their history they lost the MDI and were within season three by

04:35:53.400 --> 04:35:58.600
16 seconds last season they were incredibly close to dignitas as well taking that

04:35:59.100 --> 04:36:04.180
It's basically as far as it could go and now liquid after a race world first victory

04:36:04.180 --> 04:36:06.020
They are now your blizzcon champions.

04:36:06.020 --> 04:36:07.180
This is electric for them.

04:36:07.180 --> 04:36:08.620
Congratulations to those guys.

04:36:08.620 --> 04:36:10.520
I know they've been working so hard for this.

04:36:10.520 --> 04:36:12.520
I've just been kind of sitting back soaking in the moment.

04:36:12.520 --> 04:36:14.720
I mean, we've known these guys for so long.

04:36:14.720 --> 04:36:16.520
Obviously, even pre-team Liquid,

04:36:16.520 --> 04:36:18.420
so many of these guys have been so close for so long.

04:36:18.420 --> 04:36:20.260
Ashain himself has gotten second place

04:36:20.260 --> 04:36:22.520
like 10 times in the past five years

04:36:22.520 --> 04:36:25.120
after winning the very first MDAC Mobile Finals we had

04:36:25.120 --> 04:36:26.760
way back in 2018.

04:36:26.760 --> 04:36:29.120
Him finally getting to the top of the mountain once again.

04:36:29.120 --> 04:36:30.720
That's a crazy story in and of itself.

04:36:30.720 --> 04:36:33.920
We called the team like the merger of Perplexed and Liquid

04:36:33.920 --> 04:36:40.560
And like that was how it started all the way back in the world within and since then they started out and they were extremely good

04:36:40.560 --> 04:36:45.920
And they just continue to get better and better and better every single season until they are what we see them today

04:36:45.920 --> 04:36:49.720
I know and you know we asked coming in these are strong players

04:36:49.720 --> 04:36:54.960
But can they prove here now that they are champions and they did they did that they proved it

04:36:55.000 --> 04:36:59.720
They're not just strong players, but they are an MDI blizzcon winning team

04:36:59.720 --> 04:37:05.760
They've finally taken this for themselves after all of those close calls and you love to see it here in the hall now

04:37:05.760 --> 04:37:09.280
I believe we should be able to revisit that winning moment

04:37:09.280 --> 04:37:14.380
But when you saw them just coming in the dungeon at those last second stratness

04:37:14.380 --> 04:37:18.760
How are you feeling? There's that moment where you can just see that the boss is low enough

04:37:18.760 --> 04:37:20.680
They've made it through the hard overlaps

04:37:20.680 --> 04:37:26.560
There is nothing between them and the win and you know how that feels for the players as well when they realize that those

04:37:26.560 --> 04:37:29.200
that the team has been able to

04:37:29.200 --> 04:37:30.700
win the game. And the team

04:37:30.700 --> 04:37:32.400
has been able to win the

04:37:32.400 --> 04:37:33.000
game. And those uncertainties

04:37:33.000 --> 04:37:34.440
have finally been resolved, and

04:37:34.440 --> 04:37:36.800
they're going to win the MDI.

04:37:36.800 --> 04:37:38.040
Absolutely incredible feeling. I

04:37:38.040 --> 04:37:39.700
know. I mean, just knowing that

04:37:39.700 --> 04:37:40.900
it comes down to that and just

04:37:40.900 --> 04:37:41.800
seeing how that hard work is

04:37:41.800 --> 04:37:43.240
paid off for both the teams is

04:37:43.240 --> 04:37:44.840
incredible. And I mean, we do

04:37:44.840 --> 04:37:46.580
have to look at the actual game

04:37:46.580 --> 04:37:48.120
that they played so we can think

04:37:48.120 --> 04:37:49.580
a bit about that as we look back

04:37:49.580 --> 04:37:51.320
on the bracket and everything

04:37:51.320 --> 04:37:52.880
that happened here now, of

04:37:52.880 --> 04:37:53.920
course, here in this final

04:37:53.920 --> 04:37:55.480
series, we saw big lucky go up

04:37:55.480 --> 04:37:58.820
What do you think ultimately was the big deciding factor for their win?

04:37:58.820 --> 04:38:04.480
I mean, in the first two maps, it honestly looked like Big Lucky kind of had out-outstraded Liquid.

04:38:04.480 --> 04:38:08.220
But man, when Liquid got into form, there was no looking back for them.

04:38:08.220 --> 04:38:13.240
They just ran away with it. The second they got that lead in the third map, there was no going back for them.

04:38:13.240 --> 04:38:17.640
I do think we've been talking so much about Liquid. I still want to shout out hats off to Big Lucky.

04:38:17.640 --> 04:38:20.240
This is the best Chinese performance from a team that we've seen in years.

04:38:20.240 --> 04:38:22.080
They played amazingly well.

04:38:22.080 --> 04:38:24.920
Hopefully they continue to keep playing because we would love to have them back.

04:38:24.920 --> 04:38:30.180
but still into the day, Liquid, first North American champions in seven years.

04:38:30.180 --> 04:38:33.760
Unbelievable. I think if you simulate this series a bunch of times I think

04:38:33.760 --> 04:38:37.320
there's a lot of outcomes that end up going to five maps. I do think that this

04:38:37.320 --> 04:38:40.800
void star arena though was pretty liquid-favored. I think that there was

04:38:40.800 --> 04:38:43.280
kind of an interesting decision point between the right versus the left

04:38:43.280 --> 04:38:46.080
strategy at the very beginning of this dungeon where you end up getting master

04:38:46.080 --> 04:38:49.160
if you go on the right, you get versatility if you go on the left, the versatility buff

04:38:49.160 --> 04:38:52.600
should be a little bit better, but ultimately Liquid were 25 seconds ahead

04:38:52.600 --> 04:38:54.140
coming out of the first boss,

04:38:54.140 --> 04:38:55.480
the engine being 45 seconds ahead

04:38:55.480 --> 04:38:56.960
coming out of the second boss.

04:38:56.960 --> 04:38:59.200
And then a brutalizer also for big lucky ended up

04:38:59.200 --> 04:39:00.880
like the devouring brutalizer mob at eight a mob

04:39:00.880 --> 04:39:01.800
and then it healed the full.

04:39:01.800 --> 04:39:03.640
And so that lost people lucky a little bit more time

04:39:03.640 --> 04:39:04.640
on the back half.

04:39:04.640 --> 04:39:07.040
And I feel like this map was really just one

04:39:07.040 --> 04:39:08.280
that was liquid to lose.

04:39:08.280 --> 04:39:10.080
It was kind of a narrative that we had across all

04:39:10.080 --> 04:39:11.720
of the teams coming into this weekend.

04:39:11.720 --> 04:39:14.120
The more consistent team that has the better strategies

04:39:14.120 --> 04:39:16.040
that can execute them with 100% efficiency

04:39:16.040 --> 04:39:17.040
without any deaths,

04:39:17.040 --> 04:39:18.680
those were gonna be the teams that were gonna win.

04:39:18.680 --> 04:39:20.720
We knew that there wasn't a ton of practice time

04:39:20.720 --> 04:39:21.960
since the beginning of the season,

04:39:21.960 --> 04:39:24.000
that the teams were going to be able to put into the dungeons.

04:39:24.000 --> 04:39:26.300
And so we knew that the team that showed up at BlizzCon

04:39:26.300 --> 04:39:28.360
were able to clutch up and not have those deaths

04:39:28.360 --> 04:39:31.000
whenever the moment was at its most impactful.

04:39:31.000 --> 04:39:32.240
That was going to be the team that

04:39:32.240 --> 04:39:33.800
was going to be able to win.

04:39:33.800 --> 04:39:35.080
That was liquid today.

04:39:35.080 --> 04:39:35.640
It was.

04:39:35.640 --> 04:39:36.000
It was.

04:39:36.000 --> 04:39:37.800
But you know, like you mentioned, big lucky.

04:39:37.800 --> 04:39:39.600
Chicks will be so proud of themselves.

04:39:39.600 --> 04:39:41.760
I mean, Dratos, initially when they came into the season,

04:39:41.760 --> 04:39:44.120
this past season, they were just saying, oh, really?

04:39:44.120 --> 04:39:46.080
We just want to qualify for BlizzCon.

04:39:46.080 --> 04:39:49.560
And then once they did, I mean, I feel like they went even

04:39:49.560 --> 04:39:50.280
farther than that.

04:39:50.280 --> 04:39:56.280
They decided they were going to take it all the way to the end, and there was that winning moment, the end itself, when Liquid took it.

04:39:56.280 --> 04:39:58.280
I mean, the energy was so real.

04:39:58.280 --> 04:40:01.280
Brandon, what were you feeling as you saw the team celebrate?

04:40:01.280 --> 04:40:07.280
I was so happy for Team Liquid, but yeah, of course, Big Lucky deserves so much praise as well for making it here,

04:40:07.280 --> 04:40:13.280
for competing in the way that they did, so much to be proud of, for all of our MDI competitors as well.

04:40:13.280 --> 04:40:18.280
Dignitas and Magnatory, who we saw yesterday, incredibly deserving players as well.

04:40:18.280 --> 04:40:24.600
I hope that we see all of them again. Me too. I mean this whole year has been an incredible year for mythic plus

04:40:24.760 --> 04:40:28.560
Speedrunning or otherwise for those of you who are out there playing yourselves as well

04:40:28.560 --> 04:40:34.520
I mean Zyro, how have you thought that this year and midnight has really kind of kicked us off with everything in?

04:40:34.520 --> 04:40:38.080
Oh, I mean one thing's for certain. You know if anyone is a demo lock for high-key pushing

04:40:38.240 --> 04:40:43.160
I'm looking I'm looking for a group that that glass looks disgusting, but no, I mean this season has been awesome

04:40:43.160 --> 04:40:46.760
the crowd. You guys have been

04:40:46.860 --> 04:40:47.960
awesome. Every time something

04:40:48.060 --> 04:40:49.460
happens, you guys roar. Oh my

04:40:49.560 --> 04:40:50.460
god. The players are hearing

04:40:50.560 --> 04:40:51.360
it. We're hearing it. The

04:40:51.460 --> 04:40:52.560
feedback is amazing. You guys

04:40:52.660 --> 04:40:54.160
have been amazing standing room

04:40:54.260 --> 04:40:56.660
only here like the entire hall

04:40:56.760 --> 04:40:58.160
was absolutely packed with

04:40:58.260 --> 04:40:59.560
people. There was a moment when

04:40:59.660 --> 04:41:01.160
I looked out and I just went

04:41:01.260 --> 04:41:02.860
all I can see are people and

04:41:02.960 --> 04:41:04.460
everybody is here enjoying this

04:41:04.560 --> 04:41:05.960
moment together, both live and

04:41:06.060 --> 04:41:07.360
around the world with the mythic

04:41:07.460 --> 04:41:08.760
plus international. I mean,

04:41:08.860 --> 04:41:09.760
this or mythic dungeon

04:41:09.860 --> 04:41:10.960
international excuse me. I mean,

04:41:11.060 --> 04:41:12.660
it's just been such an

04:41:12.660 --> 04:41:18.500
and incredible competition, and it's just kicking us off as we look ahead to even more in the future.

04:41:18.500 --> 04:41:26.660
But of course, we have to say a huge congratulations again to Team Liquid, your 2026 BlizzCon grand champions.

04:41:26.660 --> 04:41:33.380
I mean, phenomenal play, phenomenal dungeons, and we are looking forward to everything the future has in store for them and our other competitors.

04:41:33.380 --> 04:41:38.980
Now, we will be taking a break here on the stage, but we have a panel coming up for you with some developers very soon

04:41:38.980 --> 04:41:42.420
that I know you're all going to want to definitely stick around for.

04:41:42.420 --> 04:41:46.420
And later in the day, some more Arena World Championship as well.

04:41:46.420 --> 04:41:49.540
So don't go anywhere unless you just need a quick drink or snack

04:41:49.540 --> 04:41:51.060
and we'll be back in a few minutes.

04:41:51.060 --> 04:41:58.060
Let's go.

04:41:58.060 --> 04:42:05.300
BlizzCon is brought to you by Fanta, lip-smacking deliciousness.

04:42:05.300 --> 04:42:07.540
Want a Fanta?

04:42:07.540 --> 04:42:13.540
Nintendo Switch 2, NVIDIA GeForce RTX, Game Changer.

04:43:51.060 --> 04:44:20.060
Our home, Azeroth, her untold stories, call to our hearts, revealing lands unexplored.

04:44:20.060 --> 04:44:26.060
Forgotten secrets and new horizons.

04:45:20.060 --> 04:45:22.060
I

04:47:20.060 --> 04:47:30.060
beckons us back to home, to adventure, forever.

04:47:50.060 --> 04:47:55.060
What's up BlizzCon?

04:47:55.060 --> 04:47:58.060
I want you all to imagine Duskwood.

04:47:58.060 --> 04:48:00.060
You all know Duskwood, right?

04:48:00.060 --> 04:48:05.060
It's a dark, creepy forest, crawling with spiders and wolves.

04:48:05.060 --> 04:48:09.060
Haunted with undead ghouls and skeletons.

04:48:09.060 --> 04:48:13.060
The guards of the night watch, torches in hand,

04:48:13.060 --> 04:48:15.060
patrol dangerous roads,

04:48:15.060 --> 04:48:18.060
keeping their eyes out for a certain abomination.

04:48:18.060 --> 04:48:25.060
There's dilapidated buildings, abandoned farms, it's a terrifying place.

04:48:25.060 --> 04:48:34.060
Now that you have that image in your head, let's take a look at the real thing.

04:48:34.060 --> 04:48:39.060
Boom.

04:48:39.060 --> 04:48:46.060
There we go.

04:48:46.060 --> 04:48:50.620
All right, so we have classic deskwood here, right?

04:48:50.620 --> 04:48:53.900
Darkshire, town square, around 2 in the morning.

04:48:53.900 --> 04:48:55.260
It's awesome, right?

04:48:55.260 --> 04:48:58.820
Iconic, definitely a fan favorite zone.

04:48:58.820 --> 04:49:03.460
But it might not be as dark or creepy as you remember.

04:49:03.460 --> 04:49:06.700
When I remember deskwood, I imagine

04:49:06.700 --> 04:49:10.940
the light of the full moon illuminating an eerie cold

04:49:10.940 --> 04:49:11.440
fog.

04:49:16.060 --> 04:49:23.060
There we go!

04:49:28.060 --> 04:49:31.060
I'm just going to let that sit for a couple seconds, yeah?

04:49:31.060 --> 04:49:36.060
Alright, I remember graveyards teeming with skeletons.

04:49:36.060 --> 04:49:44.060
The dim warm glow of torches guiding my path.

04:49:44.060 --> 04:49:58.260
Thank you. I remember the silhouettes of terrible creatures lurking in the fall, this feeling

04:49:58.260 --> 04:50:07.340
of dread and danger around every single corner. And of course, most of all, I remember constantly

04:50:07.340 --> 04:50:13.140
looking over my shoulder in the Ravenhill Cemetery, hoping I don't run into this guy

04:50:13.140 --> 04:50:16.140
and potentially lose another one of my hardcore characters.

04:50:17.840 --> 04:50:21.140
Now, this is the dustblod that I remember,

04:50:21.940 --> 04:50:25.040
and this is what we're so excited to talk about here today,

04:50:25.740 --> 04:50:29.840
how with WoW forever, we are evolving our timeless world.

04:50:30.640 --> 04:50:32.140
But before we jump into that,

04:50:32.140 --> 04:50:34.740
let me bring my buddy Jason out onto the stage,

04:50:34.740 --> 04:50:36.840
and we'll do some quick introductions.

04:50:36.840 --> 04:50:46.000
So, my name is Matt Heyman.

04:50:46.000 --> 04:50:48.760
I'm a lead environment artist on World of Warcraft.

04:50:48.760 --> 04:50:57.080
And I've been at Blizzard working on Wow for 15 years,

04:50:57.080 --> 04:50:59.600
which sounds like a long time, right?

04:50:59.600 --> 04:51:00.780
But believe it or not,

04:51:00.780 --> 04:51:04.360
15 years ago we were starting production on Missa Fand area.

04:51:04.360 --> 04:51:06.760
But don't worry, I've been playing Wow since

04:51:06.760 --> 04:51:10.400
that launched back in 2004 when I was in high school.

04:51:10.400 --> 04:51:13.120
And my favorite way to play WoW is hardcore classic,

04:51:13.120 --> 04:51:17.080
but I cannot wait until hardcore hits WoW forever.

04:51:19.000 --> 04:51:21.040
Hi, my name is Jason Scott.

04:51:21.040 --> 04:51:22.560
I'm a lead software engineer.

04:51:22.560 --> 04:51:24.840
I work with the graphics and engine team.

04:51:24.840 --> 04:51:27.480
I've been with World of Warcraft for about three years,

04:51:27.480 --> 04:51:29.520
but that was after more than 20 years

04:51:29.520 --> 04:51:32.160
in visual effects and animation for film and television,

04:51:32.160 --> 04:51:35.520
both on the art side and on the technology side.

04:51:35.520 --> 04:51:39.000
But my personal history of WoW goes back a lot farther

04:51:39.000 --> 04:51:41.120
than the three years I've been at Blizzard.

04:51:41.120 --> 04:51:43.760
All the way back to the beta.

04:51:43.760 --> 04:51:50.640
Back to May 2004, this is my actual WoW beta invite.

04:51:50.640 --> 04:51:52.880
You can see the date right there.

04:51:52.880 --> 04:51:57.440
So my appreciation for WoW long predates

04:51:57.440 --> 04:52:00.960
my being able to work on the game itself.

04:52:00.960 --> 04:52:03.400
All right, back to Matt.

04:52:03.400 --> 04:52:05.040
All right, thanks, Jason.

04:52:05.040 --> 04:52:08.840
So, what does it mean to evolve a timeless world?

04:52:08.840 --> 04:52:11.120
Well, as I'm sure you've seen so far at the show,

04:52:11.120 --> 04:52:13.560
that we're making some aesthetic changes

04:52:13.560 --> 04:52:15.080
to the world of Azeroth.

04:52:15.080 --> 04:52:18.360
So let's start by looking at our overall visual goal

04:52:18.360 --> 04:52:19.380
for a while forever.

04:52:21.640 --> 04:52:24.560
Azeroth, as you remember it.

04:52:24.560 --> 04:52:25.480
Sounds cool, right?

04:52:25.480 --> 04:52:27.320
But what does that mean?

04:52:27.320 --> 04:52:30.640
Well, we wanted to take that original vanilla version

04:52:30.640 --> 04:52:33.480
of Azeroth and combine it with the version

04:52:33.480 --> 04:52:38.160
that lives in our heads, where our experiences, nostalgia,

04:52:38.160 --> 04:52:42.960
and our imagination all shaped the way that we remember it.

04:52:42.960 --> 04:52:45.080
So how did we go about doing that?

04:52:45.080 --> 04:52:47.560
What did that process look like?

04:52:47.560 --> 04:52:49.720
Well, first, we started by looking

04:52:49.720 --> 04:52:53.000
at all the content coming to WoW forever.

04:52:53.000 --> 04:52:56.800
We knew that we were going to have a bunch of brand new zones

04:52:56.800 --> 04:52:58.720
that players have never seen before,

04:52:58.720 --> 04:53:00.920
like the Zephyrus Isle, starting zone

04:53:00.920 --> 04:53:04.560
for the new Skyborne race, which is still playable here today.

04:53:04.560 --> 04:53:08.640
If you haven't checked it out, it's literally right back there.

04:53:08.640 --> 04:53:11.960
And then we have the River Glades, another brand new zone

04:53:11.960 --> 04:53:14.240
coming to the coast of the Eastern Kingdoms

04:53:14.240 --> 04:53:16.560
right next to the Red Ridge Mountains.

04:53:16.560 --> 04:53:19.560
Players will probably check this out around the mid-level 30

04:53:19.560 --> 04:53:21.200
area.

04:53:21.200 --> 04:53:25.120
And then we knew that we wanted to expand and alter

04:53:25.120 --> 04:53:28.920
some of our existing areas, like how the city of Dalaran

04:53:28.920 --> 04:53:32.840
is now fully present right here next to the Altrac Mountains,

04:53:32.840 --> 04:53:34.920
no longer hiding in its purple bubble.

04:53:36.440 --> 04:53:38.200
And then of course, finally,

04:53:38.200 --> 04:53:41.560
we have all of our existing zones, around 40 of them.

04:53:45.840 --> 04:53:47.640
That's Theramore.

04:53:47.640 --> 04:53:49.720
So you've probably heard this before,

04:53:49.720 --> 04:53:51.400
a couple of times here at the show,

04:53:51.400 --> 04:53:54.800
but we consider the world to be our main character.

04:53:54.800 --> 04:53:57.840
But I like to consider it as a cast of characters

04:53:57.840 --> 04:54:01.320
with each and every zone having its own unique color palette,

04:54:01.320 --> 04:54:05.020
mood, atmosphere, its own essence.

04:54:05.020 --> 04:54:07.240
So that created a bit of a challenge for us.

04:54:07.240 --> 04:54:09.540
How do we take brand new zones

04:54:09.540 --> 04:54:11.520
that players have never seen before

04:54:11.520 --> 04:54:14.960
and make them feel like something that's always been there?

04:54:14.960 --> 04:54:18.320
Well, simultaneously, take our existing zones

04:54:18.320 --> 04:54:20.200
and breathe new life into them

04:54:20.200 --> 04:54:23.220
to really turn them into that version that you imagine.

04:54:24.200 --> 04:54:27.100
So there were two components to making this happen.

04:54:27.840 --> 04:54:32.440
Come on, Felwood, hurry up.

04:54:32.440 --> 04:54:34.980
There we go.

04:54:34.980 --> 04:54:40.200
Our arts and engineering teams collaborated to develop a bunch of new rendering updates

04:54:40.200 --> 04:54:41.200
for a while forever.

04:54:41.200 --> 04:54:44.360
That would help us enhance the look of the world.

04:54:44.360 --> 04:54:48.960
And then, of course, we would create new art assets to build out these new spaces, our

04:54:48.960 --> 04:54:52.320
new zones, our new dungeons, and our new raids.

04:54:52.320 --> 04:54:58.160
Now, changing a world that players have cherished for such a long time has risks, and so we

04:54:58.160 --> 04:55:02.520
wanted to make sure that we approached it carefully and responsibly.

04:55:02.520 --> 04:55:10.680
So we developed a guiding artistic principle that we followed every step of the way.

04:55:10.680 --> 04:55:13.800
Everything must be authentic.

04:55:13.800 --> 04:55:18.680
Everything we create, everything we change, everything we add, must be authentic, authentic

04:55:18.680 --> 04:55:22.320
to our world, authentic to our art style,

04:55:22.320 --> 04:55:25.680
and most importantly, authentic to all the memories

04:55:25.680 --> 04:55:28.360
that we have of that vanilla Azeroth.

04:55:28.360 --> 04:55:31.480
We're not here to change things just for the sake of change.

04:55:32.560 --> 04:55:35.080
We know that you all love the vanilla world,

04:55:35.080 --> 04:55:38.120
and so it's really important to us that we respect that.

04:55:39.720 --> 04:55:42.400
Now, let's take a look at a quick example.

04:55:42.400 --> 04:55:44.920
Here we have vanilla Durotar,

04:55:44.920 --> 04:55:46.800
outside the gates of Orgrimmar.

04:55:46.800 --> 04:55:48.360
Everyone loves Durotar, right?

04:55:48.360 --> 04:55:51.000
Durotar fans, maybe? Okay, cool.

04:55:51.000 --> 04:55:55.040
Now, as an artist, it might be tempting when I get new tech or new tools

04:55:55.040 --> 04:55:59.200
to go in and just change everything, because it's fun and exciting.

04:55:59.200 --> 04:56:04.960
As an example, maybe the whole zone changes to have a cool blue atmosphere.

04:56:04.960 --> 04:56:09.400
It feels natural and realistic, but that's not Durotar.

04:56:09.400 --> 04:56:16.000
Or we could go even more extreme and change the atmosphere to a foggy green atmosphere.

04:56:16.000 --> 04:56:21.000
But again, neither of these are authentic to Durotar.

04:56:21.000 --> 04:56:24.260
The correct approach is to go in with purpose

04:56:24.260 --> 04:56:29.000
and lean in and push the fantasy that Durotar already has.

04:56:29.000 --> 04:56:33.160
Durotar is an arid but vibrant landscape,

04:56:33.160 --> 04:56:36.760
full of red rock canyons, dry cracked earth,

04:56:36.760 --> 04:56:39.640
and a hot, sweltering atmosphere.

04:56:40.560 --> 04:56:43.160
So you see, authenticity was so important

04:56:43.160 --> 04:56:46.520
to creating a Durotar that players remember.

04:56:48.160 --> 04:56:50.840
Now, authenticity was equally important,

04:56:50.840 --> 04:56:52.440
or maybe even more important,

04:56:52.440 --> 04:56:55.880
when it came to creating new assets for WoW Forever.

04:56:55.880 --> 04:56:57.880
You see, our models and textures

04:56:57.880 --> 04:57:00.780
are the foundation of WoW's art style.

04:57:00.780 --> 04:57:03.140
And it's an art style that has changed over the years

04:57:03.140 --> 04:57:04.840
with every expansion.

04:57:04.840 --> 04:57:07.460
But for WoW Forever, we wanted to maintain

04:57:07.460 --> 04:57:09.680
that iconic vanilla look.

04:57:09.680 --> 04:57:11.900
There's an edge and grittiness

04:57:11.900 --> 04:57:13.580
to the way those assets look.

04:57:13.580 --> 04:57:16.140
And it just feels like WarCrafts.

04:57:19.900 --> 04:57:24.260
So, if we summarize,

04:57:24.260 --> 04:57:28.140
the way that we created, wow, as we remember it,

04:57:28.140 --> 04:57:31.400
is a little bit of old and a little bit of new.

04:57:31.400 --> 04:57:33.340
We're creating assets that maintain

04:57:33.340 --> 04:57:35.460
that timeless, iconic look,

04:57:36.380 --> 04:57:38.820
and we're bringing in new rendering updates

04:57:38.820 --> 04:57:41.860
to help breathe new life into our world.

04:57:41.860 --> 04:57:44.340
So now, to give us a more detailed look

04:57:44.340 --> 04:57:45.780
at those rendering updates,

04:57:45.780 --> 04:57:48.020
I'm gonna pass it over to Jason.

04:57:48.020 --> 04:57:49.100
Thanks, Matt.

04:57:49.100 --> 04:57:49.940
So,

04:57:49.940 --> 04:57:53.940
to achieve the visuals we wanted for WoW Forever,

04:57:56.900 --> 04:57:57.860
we were able to innovate

04:57:57.860 --> 04:58:00.820
in several different rendering technology areas.

04:58:00.820 --> 04:58:02.300
And each of these was chosen

04:58:02.300 --> 04:58:05.220
with the goal of being authentic, as Matt said,

04:58:05.220 --> 04:58:06.600
with enhancing the look of the game

04:58:06.600 --> 04:58:08.300
so that you can be that much more immersed

04:58:08.300 --> 04:58:10.100
in the world of Azeroth.

04:58:10.100 --> 04:58:14.300
So we're going to look at these technologies in three groupings.

04:58:14.300 --> 04:58:19.700
Fog, lighting, and water.

04:58:19.700 --> 04:58:21.820
And now each of these is actually made up

04:58:21.820 --> 04:58:23.140
of multiple technologies.

04:58:23.140 --> 04:58:24.700
We're going to use these groupings

04:58:24.700 --> 04:58:27.340
to help illustrate things.

04:58:27.340 --> 04:58:29.740
And as I talk, we're going to play some examples.

04:58:29.740 --> 04:58:32.740
You have a better idea of what it is that we've done.

04:58:32.740 --> 04:58:34.060
And there's one more thing.

04:58:34.060 --> 04:58:36.180
These aren't just individual items,

04:58:36.180 --> 04:58:38.900
individual components that we decide to work on.

04:58:38.900 --> 04:58:42.300
Our artists and our engineers collaborated to bring them all together

04:58:42.320 --> 04:58:45.160
with the goal of giving us the look of WoW Forever.

04:58:45.180 --> 04:58:47.180
So let's get into the details.

04:58:47.200 --> 04:58:50.380
All right? First, let's talk about Fog.

04:58:50.400 --> 04:58:54.960
Fog has been integral to WoW's look since the very beginning.

04:58:54.980 --> 04:59:00.380
All right? And if we look at some examples from vanilla WoW,

04:59:00.400 --> 04:59:05.500
we can use that to understand how we've used Fog over the years.

04:59:05.520 --> 04:59:07.000
We've used it in a variety of ways.

04:59:07.000 --> 04:59:09.000
to create zones like this one.

04:59:09.000 --> 04:59:13.840
A gloomy, spooky, dark swamp like Dust Wall of Marsh.

04:59:13.840 --> 04:59:16.560
Fog helped us create the mood and the ambiance

04:59:16.560 --> 04:59:18.560
we wanted to provide for the players.

04:59:21.000 --> 04:59:24.680
Or we might create a zone like this one.

04:59:26.720 --> 04:59:28.800
This one, right?

04:59:28.800 --> 04:59:32.000
Where we use fog to make a light and airy atmosphere.

04:59:32.000 --> 04:59:36.080
Here in Dunbaro, in the mountains around Iron Forge,

04:59:36.080 --> 04:59:41.080
We can use fog to create vistas or give a sense of depth.

04:59:41.440 --> 04:59:45.000
If you didn't know, each zone had its own unique fog

04:59:45.000 --> 04:59:46.460
created by our art teams.

04:59:47.540 --> 04:59:49.280
But if we go back to the beginning,

04:59:49.280 --> 04:59:51.320
back to the launch of WoW,

04:59:51.320 --> 04:59:55.320
we use fog out in the distance for a very particular purpose

04:59:55.320 --> 04:59:57.760
related to game performance.

04:59:57.760 --> 04:59:59.560
So if you didn't know,

04:59:59.560 --> 05:00:02.640
we have limitations on our view distance

05:00:02.640 --> 05:00:05.040
or our draw distance at the beginning.

05:00:05.040 --> 05:00:06.880
And that's the distance at which from the player,

05:00:06.880 --> 05:00:09.640
we're not really able to draw what else is out there

05:00:09.640 --> 05:00:10.920
in the world.

05:00:10.920 --> 05:00:13.160
And so in order to not really show that to the players,

05:00:13.160 --> 05:00:15.120
we would hide that in a wall of fog.

05:00:16.520 --> 05:00:19.800
And we have some other examples of this.

05:00:19.800 --> 05:00:21.720
As we stand in the Barrens,

05:00:21.720 --> 05:00:24.440
you should be able to kind of look over and see into Durotar,

05:00:24.440 --> 05:00:26.280
maybe a little to Azharra,

05:00:26.280 --> 05:00:29.760
but we need to be able to control those sight lines

05:00:29.760 --> 05:00:31.240
for those reasons.

05:00:31.240 --> 05:00:32.080
And over the years,

05:00:32.080 --> 05:00:33.800
we were able to improve that view distance

05:00:33.800 --> 05:00:35.660
and work on that fog and improve it,

05:00:35.660 --> 05:00:37.400
but we didn't want to be bound

05:00:37.400 --> 05:00:39.040
by any technical limitations anymore.

05:00:39.040 --> 05:00:41.160
We wanted to creatively control

05:00:41.160 --> 05:00:44.360
what we were able to show you out in the distance.

05:00:44.360 --> 05:00:46.360
And in addition, with fog,

05:00:46.360 --> 05:00:48.280
we wanted to have pockets of fog

05:00:48.280 --> 05:00:49.600
that maybe you could walk through,

05:00:49.600 --> 05:00:51.680
we could surround a player,

05:00:51.680 --> 05:00:53.800
or maybe we could hide things in the fog.

05:00:53.800 --> 05:00:55.600
We wanted to be able to shine light through it

05:00:55.600 --> 05:00:57.000
or have it have shadows,

05:00:57.000 --> 05:01:02.000
or have it move, have dusts and dirt and particles and texture.

05:01:02.000 --> 05:01:07.280
Now all these things can be done in a system called volumetrics or volumetric fog.

05:01:07.280 --> 05:01:10.160
So it became our goal to replace

05:01:10.160 --> 05:01:14.040
our original distant fog with this new volume fog technology,

05:01:14.040 --> 05:01:17.760
and while forever has given us that chance.

05:01:17.760 --> 05:01:22.520
Our engineers and our artists have worked together to develop

05:01:22.520 --> 05:01:27.040
a system to control fog like we never have before.

05:01:27.040 --> 05:01:42.960
Now, we can increase that sense of creepiness in Dust Wall and Marsh.

05:01:42.960 --> 05:01:49.000
And we can see the effect of wind in a zone.

05:01:49.000 --> 05:01:51.760
We can feel the texture of dust.

05:01:51.760 --> 05:01:55.080
We can see it sweep across the plains of the Western Plague lands.

05:01:55.080 --> 05:01:58.240
If you didn't know, each zone has its own unique wind, as well.

05:02:00.160 --> 05:02:04.200
We've also been able to adjust that sight line

05:02:04.200 --> 05:02:06.560
between the zones that we were talking about.

05:02:06.560 --> 05:02:09.920
And so now, when we do stand here in the Barrens,

05:02:09.920 --> 05:02:11.640
and we do look over into Duratar,

05:02:11.640 --> 05:02:14.420
we can start to make out land formations.

05:02:14.420 --> 05:02:17.240
We can see, start to see into Azhara.

05:02:17.240 --> 05:02:22.240
And as we look up, we can even see Nordrasil atop Mount Hyjal.

05:02:22.240 --> 05:02:31.680
This gives us a sense of the expansive world that we have in Azeroth.

05:02:31.680 --> 05:02:36.360
Now, another example of this is back in the wetlands.

05:02:38.200 --> 05:02:41.640
We're not bound by that view distance.

05:02:41.640 --> 05:02:45.200
Now we can see the backs of the mountains of Dunmerow.

05:02:45.200 --> 05:02:50.240
As we stand and we look across Menethal Harbor,

05:02:50.240 --> 05:02:52.740
We look across the Bairdon Bay,

05:02:52.740 --> 05:02:55.780
we can start to make out the violet citadel

05:02:55.780 --> 05:02:59.180
of Dalaran in the Altrack Mountains.

05:03:01.180 --> 05:03:07.020
Our new fog is one of the biggest visual changes in WoW's history.

05:03:07.020 --> 05:03:09.500
Now, in some of these examples,

05:03:09.500 --> 05:03:13.700
you might see rays of light were commonly called God rays.

05:03:13.700 --> 05:03:18.260
You can see this really vividly here in Ashen Vale.

05:03:20.240 --> 05:03:26.960
These rays of light come from our ability to shine light through the fog in a process

05:03:26.960 --> 05:03:28.640
called scattering.

05:03:28.640 --> 05:03:32.960
You can see this on the path with the lights on the path as well.

05:03:32.960 --> 05:03:37.360
And the size and the shape of those rays come from what's blocking the light or simply

05:03:37.360 --> 05:03:43.680
what's casting shadows into the fog, whether that be from the trees or mounds or anything

05:03:43.680 --> 05:03:44.680
else.

05:03:44.680 --> 05:03:48.440
Now, these rays are incredibly beautiful and we're so excited.

05:03:48.440 --> 05:03:51.560
get to bring this kind of imagery to the game.

05:03:51.560 --> 05:03:54.280
So this is a natural place to go to our second set

05:03:54.280 --> 05:03:57.840
of technologies, lighting.

05:03:57.840 --> 05:04:00.840
So as you saw in Asheville, we have some beautiful new lighting

05:04:00.840 --> 05:04:02.600
that comes with our new fog.

05:04:02.600 --> 05:04:04.400
But in trying to achieve the lighting,

05:04:04.400 --> 05:04:06.560
we realized there were a couple of additional areas

05:04:06.560 --> 05:04:08.160
we needed to adjust.

05:04:08.160 --> 05:04:09.800
So I'm going to use some time-lapse footage

05:04:09.800 --> 05:04:13.480
from the Badlands to help explain what I mean.

05:04:13.480 --> 05:04:16.800
So here we have the Badlands in Vanilla Wow.

05:04:16.800 --> 05:04:19.000
And we're showing some of the sun and the moon

05:04:19.000 --> 05:04:22.080
that sets and rises behind the mountain.

05:04:22.080 --> 05:04:23.840
At the risk of destroying the illusion,

05:04:23.840 --> 05:04:25.480
we're going to point out a couple of things,

05:04:25.480 --> 05:04:26.480
a couple of attributes,

05:04:26.480 --> 05:04:29.360
to help illustrate what we needed to adjust.

05:04:29.360 --> 05:04:31.520
So in order to talk about lighting,

05:04:31.520 --> 05:04:33.920
you need to be able to talk about shadows.

05:04:33.920 --> 05:04:35.640
In fact, there's two pieces of shadows

05:04:35.640 --> 05:04:36.480
we're going to talk about.

05:04:36.480 --> 05:04:37.960
So let's start there.

05:04:37.960 --> 05:04:39.400
The first is if we look at the mountain,

05:04:39.400 --> 05:04:40.920
we see as the sun and the moon

05:04:40.920 --> 05:04:43.080
go up and down behind the mountain,

05:04:43.080 --> 05:04:45.520
you'll see a little bit of some rays that we had,

05:04:45.520 --> 05:04:49.160
but they're not really getting properly blocked or occluded by the mountain.

05:04:49.880 --> 05:04:52.420
The second is if you look at the shadows from the tower,

05:04:52.440 --> 05:04:54.840
as the moon and the sun change position in the sky,

05:04:54.860 --> 05:04:57.660
those shadows don't do anything.

05:04:57.980 --> 05:05:01.120
Right? And in fact, those shadows shouldn't even be there some of the time

05:05:01.140 --> 05:05:03.720
because the mountains should be shadowing as well.

05:05:04.340 --> 05:05:09.460
Now, these kinds of qualities came from the fact that historically,

05:05:10.120 --> 05:05:12.940
our suns and moons' position in the sky

05:05:12.940 --> 05:05:16.520
did not actually line up with the light we were casting into the world.

05:05:17.160 --> 05:05:20.680
Now, we've known this from the beginning, and a lot of you knew this,

05:05:20.880 --> 05:05:24.280
but with our new fog, this is going to become really, really obvious.

05:05:25.040 --> 05:05:25.720
Right?

05:05:25.760 --> 05:05:27.960
If all we did change some of that overwilds history

05:05:28.000 --> 05:05:30.280
and get some of the light to change position,

05:05:30.320 --> 05:05:32.880
it didn't really change that much and achieve what we wanted.

05:05:33.480 --> 05:05:35.280
So now let's look at wow forever.

05:05:37.320 --> 05:05:40.120
You can see as the sun starts coming up to dawn,

05:05:40.160 --> 05:05:42.800
as streams of light just come popping over that mountain.

05:05:42.940 --> 05:05:49.980
We get similar rays from the moon as well.

05:05:49.980 --> 05:05:54.580
And you can look at those shadows from the tower and from the mountain as they're getting

05:05:54.580 --> 05:05:57.540
properly cast into the world.

05:05:57.540 --> 05:05:58.540
Okay?

05:05:58.540 --> 05:06:01.860
Let's look at another similar example, this time in Morgore.

05:06:01.860 --> 05:06:02.860
All right?

05:06:02.860 --> 05:06:06.980
Again, vanilla wow, as it basically was on day one.

05:06:06.980 --> 05:06:10.820
And you can see those shadows from the trees aren't moving.

05:06:10.820 --> 05:06:12.320
All right?

05:06:12.320 --> 05:06:16.960
And again, later on, later expansions, they did move a little, but not very much.

05:06:16.960 --> 05:06:25.520
And now again, wow forever.

05:06:25.520 --> 05:06:34.200
So to achieve this, to achieve this, we need to change a couple of things.

05:06:34.200 --> 05:06:38.520
The first thing is we need to make sure everything in our world was properly shadowing, right?

05:06:38.520 --> 05:06:42.240
We needed to make sure the mountains, the terrain, the land formations were properly

05:06:42.240 --> 05:06:45.000
blocking the light as it was coming into the world.

05:06:45.000 --> 05:06:48.440
And then secondly, we needed to make sure that the position of the sun and the moon

05:06:48.440 --> 05:06:51.480
more closely aligned with the light that was coming in.

05:06:51.480 --> 05:06:56.480
Now, there are still some creative and artistic choices we make, but this is so exciting that

05:06:56.480 --> 05:06:58.360
it makes the world that much more alive.

05:06:58.360 --> 05:07:02.120
But there's another lighting aspect here we have to talk about.

05:07:02.120 --> 05:07:06.880
With all these new shadows from our fog, from our terrain, our world had a chance of getting

05:07:06.880 --> 05:07:08.480
a little bit darker.

05:07:08.480 --> 05:07:10.560
Let's talk about what that means.

05:07:10.560 --> 05:07:13.320
So here in Elwin Forest, there's always shadows,

05:07:13.320 --> 05:07:15.160
whether it be from trees or something else.

05:07:15.160 --> 05:07:18.880
So we're going to make sure you see where those shadows are.

05:07:18.880 --> 05:07:20.280
And what we've done historically

05:07:20.280 --> 05:07:22.040
is we've filled in those shadows

05:07:22.040 --> 05:07:24.160
with a kind of a flat, low level of lighting

05:07:24.160 --> 05:07:25.800
called ambient lighting.

05:07:25.800 --> 05:07:29.160
And that's meant to simulate how light from the sky

05:07:29.160 --> 05:07:30.920
or light that bounces around the world

05:07:30.920 --> 05:07:34.640
fills in the dark areas, fills in the shadows.

05:07:34.640 --> 05:07:37.440
But that ambient light never quite accomplished

05:07:37.440 --> 05:07:38.960
what we were really wanting.

05:07:38.960 --> 05:07:40.480
You'll see it is quite flat.

05:07:40.480 --> 05:07:42.520
If you look under the stable, for example,

05:07:42.520 --> 05:07:44.680
it should be significantly darker in there

05:07:44.680 --> 05:07:48.000
because there's less opportunity for light to bounce inside.

05:07:48.000 --> 05:07:50.880
What we really wanted was a way to calculate

05:07:50.880 --> 05:07:52.880
how lighting was bounced around the world.

05:07:52.880 --> 05:07:54.480
When light hits a surface,

05:07:54.480 --> 05:07:56.480
it picks up the color of that surface,

05:07:56.480 --> 05:08:00.160
or they have less opportunity in a dark area.

05:08:00.160 --> 05:08:03.160
This system where we have light that indirectly bounces

05:08:03.160 --> 05:08:04.760
or indirectly illuminates something

05:08:04.760 --> 05:08:06.760
is naturally called indirect illumination

05:08:06.760 --> 05:08:08.840
global illumination, right?

05:08:08.840 --> 05:08:11.760
So let me show you what that means in WoW Forever.

05:08:11.760 --> 05:08:14.060
Now when we use our global illumination system

05:08:14.060 --> 05:08:15.840
to fill in those shadows,

05:08:15.840 --> 05:08:19.120
we get such a more natural, integrated, immersive look,

05:08:19.120 --> 05:08:21.720
immersive view to everything that's going in.

05:08:21.720 --> 05:08:23.520
You can even see some of the red light

05:08:23.520 --> 05:08:25.720
as it bounces off the top of the stables

05:08:25.720 --> 05:08:27.640
and hits the sides of the chapel.

05:08:27.640 --> 05:08:30.040
You can see green light as it filters through

05:08:30.040 --> 05:08:32.080
from the sunlight, filtering through the green leaves

05:08:32.080 --> 05:08:35.040
into the shadowed area behind the tree, right?

05:08:35.040 --> 05:08:39.600
And you can see in the stable, it's a lot more naturally dark.

05:08:39.600 --> 05:08:40.600
Right?

05:08:40.600 --> 05:08:44.240
Because there's less opportunity for that light to bounce around in there.

05:08:44.240 --> 05:08:48.280
So now if we compare these, you can see how it was with our ambient light versus with

05:08:48.280 --> 05:08:50.600
our global illumination system.

05:08:50.600 --> 05:08:55.360
You'll see how much more life it brings as we look at that.

05:08:55.360 --> 05:09:00.320
Now, we can actually visualize this.

05:09:00.320 --> 05:09:04.800
We have an example from Stranglethorne Vale, and I've added to the bottom left a visual

05:09:04.800 --> 05:09:08.080
of the light that's bouncing in the world, right?

05:09:08.080 --> 05:09:10.820
Not the sunlight, but just light that's bouncing.

05:09:10.820 --> 05:09:12.640
And you can see as the light bounces around,

05:09:12.640 --> 05:09:14.140
it picks up so much green,

05:09:14.140 --> 05:09:18.200
you can see little patches of red and brown from the path.

05:09:18.200 --> 05:09:20.200
As we go down deeper into the jungle,

05:09:20.200 --> 05:09:23.160
you'll see how much naturally it gets dark from the light.

05:09:24.160 --> 05:09:28.800
And you'll see patches as the sunlight punches through

05:09:28.800 --> 05:09:32.360
and picks up more of that color that's coming through.

05:09:32.360 --> 05:09:35.360
This allows our artists to craft the style,

05:09:35.360 --> 05:09:37.080
the lighting that we want in the zone.

05:09:37.080 --> 05:09:39.120
And as we place objects into that environment,

05:09:39.120 --> 05:09:41.800
they're more naturally reacting to how everything sits.

05:09:44.760 --> 05:09:45.880
Here's another example,

05:09:45.880 --> 05:09:49.440
this time from the border between the Barrens

05:09:49.440 --> 05:09:50.560
and Ashenvale.

05:09:50.560 --> 05:09:52.080
And this is time lapse footage.

05:09:52.080 --> 05:09:54.160
So you can see how our global illumination system

05:09:54.160 --> 05:09:56.760
changes as the time of day changes.

05:09:56.760 --> 05:09:58.560
You'll see is how light starts to come through

05:09:58.560 --> 05:10:00.040
in the screen right side.

05:10:00.040 --> 05:10:01.440
And you'll see it has more and more light

05:10:01.440 --> 05:10:05.240
bounces around the scene, picking up colors from the green leaves,

05:10:05.240 --> 05:10:08.920
the red leaves of Ashenvale, and just filling in those shadows

05:10:08.920 --> 05:10:10.360
so much more naturally.

05:10:14.240 --> 05:10:19.160
So as you can see, in our world, our light comes from the sun

05:10:19.160 --> 05:10:21.640
or other lights that we place.

05:10:21.640 --> 05:10:23.080
And then the rest of the dark areas

05:10:23.080 --> 05:10:26.160
are filled in by the sky and light bouncing around the world

05:10:26.160 --> 05:10:28.720
from our global illumination system.

05:10:28.720 --> 05:10:30.960
And we built a custom ray tracer,

05:10:30.960 --> 05:10:34.200
built on a mix of existing ideas and new technologies.

05:10:34.200 --> 05:10:36.280
And we're very, very proud of it.

05:10:36.280 --> 05:10:38.080
But the most amazing thing is,

05:10:38.080 --> 05:10:40.360
while we've designed this and it runs

05:10:40.360 --> 05:10:42.720
on our recommended hardware requirements,

05:10:42.720 --> 05:10:44.200
we've been able to optimize this

05:10:44.200 --> 05:10:45.360
and this runs completely

05:10:45.360 --> 05:10:47.560
on our minimum hardware requirements as well.

05:10:47.560 --> 05:10:50.400
So all Valve forever players get to enjoy this.

05:10:50.400 --> 05:10:55.400
Now, as we travel down the South Fury River here in Nijara,

05:10:58.360 --> 05:11:00.000
it's a natural place to go to our third set

05:11:00.000 --> 05:11:03.760
the technologies, water, all right?

05:11:03.760 --> 05:11:05.880
Water is another rendering technology

05:11:05.880 --> 05:11:08.280
where we wanted to bring more life to the game.

05:11:08.280 --> 05:11:11.080
And there's a few characteristics we wanted to hear.

05:11:11.080 --> 05:11:13.400
We wanted to work on the movement of the water

05:11:13.400 --> 05:11:16.960
from waves, wind, the flow of water.

05:11:16.960 --> 05:11:19.480
We wanted to work on the color, enhance that,

05:11:19.480 --> 05:11:22.800
the look, how light hits it and the transparency

05:11:22.800 --> 05:11:24.680
when light comes off it.

05:11:24.680 --> 05:11:26.720
And we wanted to work on the reflections,

05:11:26.720 --> 05:11:28.720
how and what water is reflecting.

05:11:28.720 --> 05:11:32.560
So, let's first talk about movement.

05:11:32.560 --> 05:11:34.640
I'm going to have some examples

05:11:34.640 --> 05:11:38.680
played through to show some of the controls that we can use.

05:11:38.680 --> 05:11:42.080
We did have some movement in original WoW in vanilla,

05:11:42.080 --> 05:11:44.120
but it wasn't quite what we wanted.

05:11:44.120 --> 05:11:47.600
Now, we can control the size of waves.

05:11:47.600 --> 05:11:49.520
Whether we might want to adjust that based on

05:11:49.520 --> 05:11:51.240
the size of a body of water,

05:11:51.240 --> 05:11:54.600
whether it be a lake or an ocean or the depth of water,

05:11:54.600 --> 05:11:56.480
we can adjust the wind.

05:11:56.480 --> 05:11:59.560
Again, we said there's unique wind in every zone,

05:11:59.560 --> 05:12:02.400
and so we can pick that up and react appropriately.

05:12:04.360 --> 05:12:06.200
And we see all these things that come together.

05:12:06.200 --> 05:12:09.320
Do we have the different kinds of water life that we want?

05:12:11.040 --> 05:12:14.600
Another type of movement we have is the flow of water.

05:12:14.600 --> 05:12:19.120
And you can see, we did have some simple kinds of flow

05:12:19.120 --> 05:12:21.120
or movement in the water, but it didn't really flow

05:12:21.120 --> 05:12:22.280
as a river.

05:12:22.280 --> 05:12:26.080
But now and while forever, we can have those rivers

05:12:26.080 --> 05:12:28.280
flow down as we want them.

05:12:29.780 --> 05:12:32.880
They move following the path of the river.

05:12:34.880 --> 05:12:38.980
They bend around rocks and land formations as they hit rocks,

05:12:38.980 --> 05:12:41.780
it creates foam and has some textural quality.

05:12:41.780 --> 05:12:44.080
So we can see as it interacts with the environment.

05:12:45.480 --> 05:12:48.280
Here's another example here in the Red Bridge Mountains.

05:12:48.780 --> 05:12:50.680
And we see is how big this river is,

05:12:50.680 --> 05:12:52.480
how the water completely flows around.

05:12:53.280 --> 05:12:55.980
And our artists have full control over this.

05:12:56.080 --> 05:12:59.200
even against gravity because we actually have some

05:12:59.200 --> 05:13:02.000
magical rivers in Azeroth that go uphill.

05:13:02.000 --> 05:13:08.400
So, but now, let's look at the look of the water.

05:13:08.400 --> 05:13:10.560
Again, we'll play some examples of

05:13:10.560 --> 05:13:12.280
the controls that we can have,

05:13:12.280 --> 05:13:16.120
and we worked with Art to open up the controls.

05:13:16.120 --> 05:13:18.400
We wrote a completely new water shader.

05:13:18.400 --> 05:13:21.560
We even had artists do some paintovers to

05:13:21.560 --> 05:13:23.920
show what we might want to be able to change.

05:13:23.920 --> 05:13:31.420
We can affect the density of the water and how light is absorbed and how it changes the colors of objects underneath the water.

05:13:31.420 --> 05:13:38.920
We can change how light is reflecting and hitting the surface of the water and at different depths to be able to control the color

05:13:38.920 --> 05:13:44.920
to give us whatever kind of body of water we want from murky to crystal clear.

05:13:46.920 --> 05:13:50.920
And all right, on to our last part, reflections.

05:13:50.920 --> 05:13:54.600
Again, we didn't really reflect anything at the beginning.

05:13:54.600 --> 05:13:58.280
We couldn't. Sorry, I have time-lapse footage here,

05:13:58.280 --> 05:14:00.360
so we can see even as the time of day changes,

05:14:00.360 --> 05:14:02.360
nothing's being reflected.

05:14:02.360 --> 05:14:04.840
All right. But as always,

05:14:04.840 --> 05:14:07.040
if we look here in mile forever,

05:14:07.040 --> 05:14:11.040
now we can properly reflect our entire environment with us.

05:14:11.040 --> 05:14:15.040
We can see it as the time of day changes here in time-lapse footage,

05:14:15.040 --> 05:14:16.080
properly reflecting.

05:14:16.080 --> 05:14:19.520
We can see it with the ripples and the movement of the water,

05:14:19.520 --> 05:14:30.280
all put together. Now I should also mention we can also reflect the sun and the moon.

05:14:30.280 --> 05:14:36.120
And this has been a lot of fun for us. We can see again how it was at the beginning.

05:14:36.120 --> 05:14:43.800
And now we can get these amazingly gorgeous sunrises, sunsets, and moonrises and moonsets

05:14:43.800 --> 05:14:50.840
as well. So that covers just some of the rendering technology we've been able to introduce into

05:14:50.840 --> 05:14:56.680
WALF forever. So there's so many more areas we've been able to work on, but let's look as we put

05:14:56.680 --> 05:15:08.520
it back together. Matt? Thank you, Jason. Cool shit, yeah? All right. One thing I want to emphasize

05:15:08.520 --> 05:15:13.080
is that this isn't a filter or a switch that we just flip on and everything looks magically different.

05:15:13.800 --> 05:15:17.180
We went in and meticulously recreated the lighting

05:15:17.180 --> 05:15:19.480
and the atmosphere from the ground up.

05:15:19.480 --> 05:15:23.200
We took our original 1.12 vanilla debug client

05:15:23.200 --> 05:15:26.520
and used it as reference, as our ground truth.

05:15:26.520 --> 05:15:29.280
We stepped through every single time of day,

05:15:29.280 --> 05:15:32.680
from midnight to 2 a.m. to noon to sunset to evening,

05:15:32.680 --> 05:15:36.000
everything, and tried to match and recreate

05:15:36.000 --> 05:15:39.720
the original vibes that every single zone had.

05:15:39.720 --> 05:15:42.840
Now, how about we go through that process together

05:15:42.840 --> 05:15:44.960
and build our own zone.

05:15:44.960 --> 05:15:49.720
So let's bring back our old favorite dust wood, yeah?

05:15:49.720 --> 05:15:50.400
Woo!

05:15:50.400 --> 05:15:50.880
All right.

05:15:50.880 --> 05:15:53.200
So here we have dust wood.

05:15:53.200 --> 05:15:54.600
There's no lighting, no fog.

05:15:54.600 --> 05:15:56.880
We just have flat models and textures.

05:15:56.880 --> 05:16:00.480
Like I said before, this is our foundation of WoW style.

05:16:00.480 --> 05:16:03.040
So let's turn down the lights and just add

05:16:03.040 --> 05:16:06.200
a little bit of moonlight to the scene.

05:16:06.200 --> 05:16:08.640
Here you can see it's dark.

05:16:08.640 --> 05:16:11.480
If you're a fan of really dark nights in WoW,

05:16:11.480 --> 05:16:13.340
This is probably what you've been looking for.

05:16:13.340 --> 05:16:17.700
And I think it looks cool, but it's not playable.

05:16:17.700 --> 05:16:18.500
It's a little too dark.

05:16:18.500 --> 05:16:20.180
So let's bring in a bit more light.

05:16:20.180 --> 05:16:21.980
So we're going to bring in some point lights.

05:16:21.980 --> 05:16:24.860
These are lights that go on all of our different sources,

05:16:24.860 --> 05:16:27.540
our windows, our torches, our lanterns.

05:16:27.540 --> 05:16:32.780
It helps provide some visual breakup, some color distinction.

05:16:32.780 --> 05:16:34.940
And honestly, it just looks really cool.

05:16:34.940 --> 05:16:37.380
Now, let's bring in that global illumination

05:16:37.380 --> 05:16:39.180
that Jason was talking about.

05:16:39.180 --> 05:16:43.260
So our moonlight is hitting the ground, it's bouncing,

05:16:43.260 --> 05:16:44.860
and it's lifting up our shadows a bit,

05:16:44.860 --> 05:16:47.220
adding a bit of color.

05:16:47.220 --> 05:16:48.780
But we're missing a whole other component.

05:16:48.780 --> 05:16:50.740
We need some fog for our scene.

05:16:50.740 --> 05:16:53.940
So let's add a base layer of fog.

05:16:53.940 --> 05:16:57.100
So as you can see here, just adding in fog

05:16:57.100 --> 05:16:59.820
makes the entire space feel darker.

05:16:59.820 --> 05:17:03.500
Your ability to perceive details in those dark areas

05:17:03.500 --> 05:17:07.300
just get completely vanished by this thick fog.

05:17:07.300 --> 05:17:09.540
Now, let's bring in some of the light scattering

05:17:09.540 --> 05:17:11.900
that Jason talked about.

05:17:11.900 --> 05:17:15.500
So now, our moon is actually illuminating the fog,

05:17:15.500 --> 05:17:19.500
giving us those creepy god rays here in Darkshire.

05:17:19.500 --> 05:17:22.540
So now let's add some movement, some variation to the fog.

05:17:22.540 --> 05:17:24.340
We're going to bring in some noise

05:17:24.340 --> 05:17:29.220
to create that creepy, eerie, moving mist.

05:17:29.220 --> 05:17:30.660
But we're not done yet.

05:17:30.660 --> 05:17:33.100
So we're going to add in a little bit of ground fog

05:17:33.100 --> 05:17:35.860
to really amp up that spooky vibe.

05:17:38.260 --> 05:17:40.300
We're getting close to being done,

05:17:40.300 --> 05:17:43.260
but now we're gonna bring in some of our post-process effects,

05:17:43.260 --> 05:17:45.540
some bloom, some color correction,

05:17:45.540 --> 05:17:47.020
really push things, right?

05:17:48.420 --> 05:17:51.100
It looks cool, it's punchy, it's vibrant,

05:17:51.100 --> 05:17:53.480
but we've probably gone a little bit too far.

05:17:53.480 --> 05:17:57.140
We've probably moved beyond what I would call the wow style.

05:17:57.140 --> 05:17:58.860
We have too much contrast,

05:17:58.860 --> 05:18:00.480
can't really see what's going on,

05:18:00.480 --> 05:18:02.180
so we're gonna pull things back,

05:18:02.180 --> 05:18:07.460
Make sure it's aligned with an authentic version of Duskwood.

05:18:07.460 --> 05:18:09.820
All right, so here we calm down some of the saturation,

05:18:09.820 --> 05:18:12.020
turn down some of the bloom.

05:18:12.020 --> 05:18:13.540
Things are looking pretty good.

05:18:13.540 --> 05:18:16.540
So let's check it against our original classic version

05:18:16.540 --> 05:18:17.220
of Duskwood.

05:18:19.660 --> 05:18:22.020
And now let's flip it back to wow forever.

05:18:24.660 --> 05:18:26.460
We still have Darkshire.

05:18:26.460 --> 05:18:37.540
It's still creepy, it's still moody, it still feels like the place that we remember, but

05:18:37.540 --> 05:18:41.640
it's really pushing that haunted, spooky tendency.

05:18:41.640 --> 05:18:46.180
But there's one step left that every artist should go through when lighting his own, and

05:18:46.180 --> 05:18:48.340
that's taking the player perspective.

05:18:48.340 --> 05:18:52.060
It's really easy to light one shot like this and make it look cool, but it's important

05:18:52.060 --> 05:18:53.820
that we run around the game.

05:18:53.820 --> 05:18:55.240
We look at all the different areas

05:18:55.240 --> 05:18:58.000
and make sure things are working cohesively.

05:18:58.000 --> 05:19:02.120
Like Jason mentioned, here in the open or in Darkshire,

05:19:02.120 --> 05:19:03.320
you've got a lot of moonlight.

05:19:03.320 --> 05:19:05.120
But as you move into the forest,

05:19:05.120 --> 05:19:07.200
as the canopy of the trees are overhead,

05:19:07.200 --> 05:19:09.320
there's gonna be less light to bounce around.

05:19:09.320 --> 05:19:12.280
Things are gonna get darker, things are gonna get spookier.

05:19:12.280 --> 05:19:16.320
You might just wanna find a torch to carry along with you.

05:19:17.280 --> 05:19:18.680
And as you can see here,

05:19:18.680 --> 05:19:21.120
as you walk out on the farms and the fields,

05:19:21.120 --> 05:19:23.960
We've got more fog, we've got more creepiness.

05:19:23.960 --> 05:19:27.240
Who knows what mysteries you're going to find?

05:19:27.240 --> 05:19:31.760
Now, this is the approach that we took for all of our zones

05:19:31.760 --> 05:19:33.000
in a while forever.

05:19:33.000 --> 05:19:35.240
Like I said, we went through and we

05:19:35.240 --> 05:19:38.880
tried to authentically recreate the look, the vibe,

05:19:38.880 --> 05:19:41.800
the mood, the atmosphere, all the characteristics

05:19:41.800 --> 05:19:44.360
that make up these familiar places.

05:19:44.360 --> 05:19:48.360
And I want to assure you, it's not just pretty sunsets.

05:19:48.360 --> 05:19:50.360
Every time of day has a different look,

05:19:50.360 --> 05:19:56.040
a different feeling, as long as it's authentic to the original,

05:19:56.040 --> 05:19:57.280
I think we did a pretty good job.

05:19:57.280 --> 05:20:06.600
All good.

05:20:06.600 --> 05:20:08.560
Let's wrap it all up.

05:20:08.560 --> 05:20:11.600
So as we wrap, Matt and I want to acknowledge,

05:20:11.600 --> 05:20:13.800
we didn't do all this just the two of us.

05:20:13.800 --> 05:20:17.800
We had a very dedicated team who were so passionate about crafting

05:20:17.800 --> 05:20:19.660
all the creative artistic decisions,

05:20:19.660 --> 05:20:21.680
and all the underlying technology

05:20:21.680 --> 05:20:23.800
that brought all this together.

05:20:23.800 --> 05:20:25.240
A lot of that team is here today,

05:20:25.240 --> 05:20:27.520
so we'd love it if you give them a round of applause

05:20:27.520 --> 05:20:28.880
as they're here in the audience.

05:20:28.880 --> 05:20:32.880
So with that, we are thrilled that we got to share our effort

05:20:39.600 --> 05:20:41.600
on evolving the look of WoW Forever.

05:20:41.600 --> 05:20:43.320
And we're so excited for you to be able to go

05:20:43.320 --> 05:20:45.200
and experience this yourself.

05:20:45.200 --> 05:20:46.800
We hope you got to play the demo

05:20:46.800 --> 05:20:48.800
You're here at BlizzCon!

05:20:48.800 --> 05:20:53.800
We hope you get to play the beta when it's released next week.

05:20:53.800 --> 05:20:59.800
And we are so excited for you to enjoy it when we launch Wow Forever on November 4th.

05:20:59.800 --> 05:21:04.800
We hope you find your own visual surprises in our timeless world of Azeroth.

05:21:04.800 --> 05:21:06.800
Alright, thank you all for coming.

05:21:06.800 --> 05:21:08.800
Thank you all.

05:21:08.800 --> 05:21:13.800
The Arena World Championship is coming up next, so feel free to stick around.

05:21:16.800 --> 05:21:31.080
PlizCon is brought to you by Fanta, lip-smacking deliciousness.

05:21:31.080 --> 05:21:33.280
Want a Fanta?

05:21:33.280 --> 05:21:39.240
Nintendo Switch 2, NVIDIA GeForce RTX, Game Changer.

05:22:46.800 --> 05:22:48.800
I

05:23:16.800 --> 05:23:46.100
Our home, Azeroth, her untold stories, call to our hearts, revealing lands unexplored.

05:23:46.100 --> 05:23:52.100
Forgotten secrets and new horizons.

05:24:46.100 --> 05:24:48.100
Oh

05:26:46.100 --> 05:26:56.100
Beckons us back to home, to adventure, forever.

05:26:56.100 --> 05:27:23.100
Between the well-worn pages of the history we know, lie the stories we haven't heard.

05:27:26.100 --> 05:27:37.500
Countless adventures, untold, from the time when it all began, through the hidden paths

05:27:37.500 --> 05:27:47.900
in ancient forests, above and beyond familiar peace, your journey awaits, let the drums

05:27:47.900 --> 05:27:54.900
This is the war. Thunder. Forever.

05:29:47.900 --> 05:29:59.140
Please come as brought to you by MSI take the next step in upgrading your visual experience

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with MSI's QD OLED monitors built to last brilliance ahead.

05:30:05.060 --> 05:30:07.860
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Secret lab prograde ergonomics for the highest level of play.

05:30:16.340 --> 05:30:20.340
Welcome back to WoW Esports, here live on the BlizzCon stage.

05:30:20.340 --> 05:30:23.980
We have returned with Arena World Championship.

05:30:23.980 --> 05:30:26.220
And while we were just running some dungeons now,

05:30:26.220 --> 05:30:29.300
we have some PVP heads to heads that need to go down.

05:30:29.300 --> 05:30:31.060
I am your stage host, Rook.

05:30:31.060 --> 05:30:34.780
And I'm here with Ziko, Suva, and Chan to start things off here

05:30:34.780 --> 05:30:37.700
as we get into the real build up to when we're going to be

05:30:37.700 --> 05:30:40.460
crowning an AWC champion, Chan.

05:30:40.460 --> 05:30:41.780
Yeah, it's going to be a crazy game.

05:30:41.780 --> 05:30:44.660
I think this is one of the best series we're going to see today.

05:30:44.660 --> 05:30:48.340
It's the first time that we see Ekko play, and you know, you guys always know this.

05:30:48.340 --> 05:30:52.380
I think that they can be the best team in the world if they're on the right, you know,

05:30:52.380 --> 05:30:53.380
playing well on that deck.

05:30:53.380 --> 05:30:57.660
So, very excited to see them, excited to see how Guild Bean is going to do into them,

05:30:57.660 --> 05:31:01.540
because I've heard that Ekko is most scared to face Guild Bean as well.

05:31:01.540 --> 05:31:05.300
It's true, you know, we have a long road until we have Champions, but we are going to see

05:31:05.300 --> 05:31:06.300
some Champions play.

05:31:06.300 --> 05:31:10.540
Ekko, like you said, such a powerhouse, they have racked up so many wins, and of course

05:31:10.540 --> 05:31:12.180
they will be going up against Guild Bean.

05:31:12.180 --> 05:31:14.980
Let's take a look at the full schedule for the rest of the day.

05:31:14.980 --> 05:31:17.540
As you can see, we just got through that wonderful panel

05:31:17.540 --> 05:31:19.580
involving a timeless world,

05:31:19.580 --> 05:31:21.580
and we are now moving on to the semi-final matches

05:31:21.580 --> 05:31:23.580
for the AWC tournament.

05:31:23.580 --> 05:31:25.540
Now, we'll have another panel later, so stay tuned,

05:31:25.540 --> 05:31:27.180
especially if you want all that information

05:31:27.180 --> 05:31:29.700
about the exciting future of World of Warcraft.

05:31:29.700 --> 05:31:31.540
And then after that panel, we will move on

05:31:31.540 --> 05:31:35.860
to our grand final match that we'll be doing here for the AWC.

05:31:35.860 --> 05:31:37.100
Now, of course, the tournament,

05:31:37.100 --> 05:31:38.620
in case you weren't familiar with it,

05:31:38.620 --> 05:31:40.060
will give you a little refresher.

05:31:40.060 --> 05:31:42.500
It's a 16 single elimination bracket.

05:31:42.500 --> 05:31:44.660
Now we had a couple of semi-finals earlier,

05:31:44.660 --> 05:31:46.260
and we have more to go still.

05:31:46.260 --> 05:31:47.500
Those will be best of fives,

05:31:47.500 --> 05:31:49.940
and the Grand Final will be a best of seven.

05:31:49.940 --> 05:31:51.620
But, super, can you give everybody

05:31:51.620 --> 05:31:53.980
a little rough rundown of the draft rules?

05:31:53.980 --> 05:31:55.740
Yeah, so in game number one here,

05:31:55.740 --> 05:31:57.580
it's gonna be blind pick, which means both teams

05:31:57.580 --> 05:31:59.700
have no idea what strategy or composition

05:31:59.700 --> 05:32:01.220
is gonna come out of the gates.

05:32:01.220 --> 05:32:03.540
The winner of that will then be out of disadvantage.

05:32:03.540 --> 05:32:05.580
The loser can select their map.

05:32:05.580 --> 05:32:07.860
The winner will then select their composition,

05:32:07.860 --> 05:32:09.620
and then the loser will have an opportunity

05:32:09.620 --> 05:32:13.780
to counter composition them, which will likely be very important in this series.

05:32:13.780 --> 05:32:16.940
Yeah, those plays, those counter plays, the picks that you're going for, I think that's

05:32:16.940 --> 05:32:20.460
something that, as we've already seen, plays such a huge role in how these teams are able

05:32:20.460 --> 05:32:22.980
to show up and then take down the opposition.

05:32:22.980 --> 05:32:28.060
And they will be competing for $300,000, which is a lot of money on the line, Ziko.

05:32:28.060 --> 05:32:31.340
Now we said, of course, we're coming back here with Echo and Guilfbien.

05:32:31.340 --> 05:32:34.500
How do you think we're going to see this shake down as we look at our bracket?

05:32:34.500 --> 05:32:40.600
Well, the way I'm seeing this is the last time we saw Ekko and Gilbin play, it was at

05:32:40.600 --> 05:32:46.240
2019 BlizzCon and it was in the grand finals and they went all the way to game 7.

05:32:46.240 --> 05:32:49.920
The only difference on Gilbin's side is that they have a different healer.

05:32:49.920 --> 05:32:54.320
Ekko is still the same core with Raikyuu and Wazz and I think back then they had Chas as

05:32:54.320 --> 05:32:55.320
their healer.

05:32:55.320 --> 05:33:00.200
So both teams have a different healer and I mean it was a complete bloodbath and I expect

05:33:00.200 --> 05:33:01.200
nothing less today.

05:33:01.200 --> 05:33:05.360
I know if there was a really good matchup for us to come right back to to amp up the action

05:33:05.360 --> 05:33:06.040
This is the one

05:33:06.040 --> 05:33:13.000
I mean these two teams have a lot of combined experience behind them and a lot to prove as they clash had to head here now

05:33:13.280 --> 05:33:18.680
Super we have echo coming up first. Is there a little bit of introductory information you'd like to give us about them

05:33:18.680 --> 05:33:25.160
I mean they're the reigning title champions. They're defending their title. It's been seven years since they've had to defend it

05:33:25.160 --> 05:33:27.160
But they are an absolutely

05:33:27.160 --> 05:33:33.400
stacked roster, Mercy, Raikou, just absolutely slaying it on that warlock and Maiden of course,

05:33:33.400 --> 05:33:39.160
Waz. This guy is the player that everybody in the AWC has a target on. He is the guy

05:33:39.160 --> 05:33:43.880
to beat. If you can take down Waz, you can take the entire tournament, and then JT,

05:33:43.880 --> 05:33:49.400
a new healer flexing on this roster, some young blood on the team as well, mixing in with that

05:33:49.400 --> 05:33:54.920
dynamic duo of Raikou and Waz. I mean, it's a powerful lineup, and you know, we did have a chance

05:33:54.920 --> 05:33:58.600
to actually catch up with the players ourselves ahead of the matches today.

05:33:58.600 --> 05:34:01.880
So we have a bit of information and perhaps some fighting words from them as well.

05:34:04.280 --> 05:34:07.320
Echo is also up here. They're both like on the top tier.

05:34:07.320 --> 05:34:12.520
And then there's like a gap and then there's another gap and then there's everybody else.

05:34:12.520 --> 05:34:17.480
Echo is a defining team in AWC history. Through the years of competition,

05:34:17.480 --> 05:34:21.640
it is well known that if you want to win, you're going to have to go through them.

05:34:21.640 --> 05:34:25.400
It is going to be Echo taking the grand finals,

05:34:25.400 --> 05:34:26.920
being crowned the kings of Europe.

05:34:26.920 --> 05:34:29.000
They are the gatekeepers of the championship

05:34:29.000 --> 05:34:30.520
and the holder of titles.

05:34:30.520 --> 05:34:33.080
Having said that, it's your first BlizzCon here, Mercy.

05:34:33.080 --> 05:34:34.560
It's your first BlizzCon here, JT.

05:34:34.560 --> 05:34:36.640
Do you feel the weight of that situation?

05:34:36.640 --> 05:34:38.720
For me, just like another usual day,

05:34:38.720 --> 05:34:41.280
we've been practicing for this moment our whole year,

05:34:41.280 --> 05:34:42.120
and now that we're here,

05:34:42.120 --> 05:34:43.280
I think we're gonna smash everybody.

05:34:43.280 --> 05:34:44.920
And is there really anything left for you

05:34:44.920 --> 05:34:45.880
to prove at this point?

05:34:45.880 --> 05:34:47.560
Proving ourselves at this point,

05:34:47.560 --> 05:34:48.920
maybe is not what we're looking for.

05:34:48.920 --> 05:34:50.760
It's more about continuing the legacy

05:34:50.760 --> 05:34:54.160
Again, making sure that we still have it, even though the H is kicking in slowly.

05:34:54.160 --> 05:34:57.240
The competition feels closer than it's ever been.

05:34:57.240 --> 05:35:01.320
Out of all of your opponents, who are you threatened the most by and why is that?

05:35:01.320 --> 05:35:03.520
I don't think we feel threatened by any team.

05:35:03.520 --> 05:35:05.320
There's going to be maybe a lot of mirrors.

05:35:05.320 --> 05:35:08.720
I don't play mirrors a lot, so anything can happen, but I think we're the strongest team,

05:35:08.720 --> 05:35:10.280
so I don't think anyone's got to be us.

05:35:10.280 --> 05:35:14.680
Over the years of playing together, how could you describe your progression as players?

05:35:14.680 --> 05:35:17.880
I think we started off as like a very aggressive team.

05:35:17.880 --> 05:35:20.100
We just wanted to get quick, quick wins.

05:35:20.100 --> 05:35:22.000
Over the years, we learned how to play defensively

05:35:22.000 --> 05:35:22.800
a lot better.

05:35:22.800 --> 05:35:25.560
Is there anything that you'd like to say to your opponents?

05:35:25.560 --> 05:35:26.960
Everyone needs to think that here,

05:35:26.960 --> 05:35:29.280
there's the best teams in the world.

05:35:29.280 --> 05:35:31.440
And maybe people think we're afraid of facing them,

05:35:31.440 --> 05:35:33.480
but I would not want to be in their shoes facing us.

05:35:33.480 --> 05:35:36.000
And he might just go down right here and right now,

05:35:36.000 --> 05:35:39.880
and he will echo dominating game number four.

05:35:39.880 --> 05:35:43.920
This year, the gap at the top feels smaller than ever.

05:35:43.920 --> 05:35:46.000
Who is going to rise to the occasion

05:35:46.000 --> 05:35:47.840
to be able to topple Echo?

05:35:47.840 --> 05:35:51.280
is the defining question.

05:35:51.280 --> 05:35:52.680
Well, you've heard it from themselves,

05:35:52.680 --> 05:35:54.720
and they are ready to go and compete.

05:35:54.720 --> 05:35:56.400
I'm so glad that you got to catch up with them, Supa,

05:35:56.400 --> 05:35:57.600
and get some information.

05:35:57.600 --> 05:35:59.200
Of course, echo huge contenders.

05:35:59.200 --> 05:36:01.160
Chan, you're a little familiar with them or something,

05:36:01.160 --> 05:36:02.200
you know.

05:36:02.200 --> 05:36:05.160
But I think that they, even though they've proven so much,

05:36:05.160 --> 05:36:07.720
they continue to just challenge their teams

05:36:07.720 --> 05:36:08.720
that they're going up against.

05:36:08.720 --> 05:36:11.240
And that is no different for Guild B, who

05:36:11.240 --> 05:36:13.480
will be their matchup here in this one now.

05:36:13.480 --> 05:36:16.440
We saw Guild B earlier, and we went through a kind of breakdown

05:36:16.440 --> 05:36:16.920
of their team.

05:36:16.920 --> 05:36:20.080
Can you give us a quick overview of Guildbeam's roster?

05:36:20.080 --> 05:36:27.220
Absolutely, so long time previous healer on Echo has won basically everything that you can win except for BlizzCon.

05:36:27.220 --> 05:36:34.920
So he's looking for that first major title win and then we got Maro often considered the best mage in the entire game.

05:36:34.920 --> 05:36:41.920
BlizzCon on that warrior, but he's been more of a melee expert because a lot of these even was, you know, he's known for his role,

05:36:41.920 --> 05:36:45.420
but a lot of them just end up becoming an expert at that role.

05:36:45.420 --> 05:36:49.020
So, Blizzle, we've seen him on Windwalker, we've seen him on Demon Hunter, we've seen him on Warrior.

05:36:49.020 --> 05:36:51.820
He plays a lot of different... He's the melee specialist.

05:36:51.820 --> 05:36:53.620
If you need a melee, he's your man.

05:36:53.620 --> 05:37:02.820
And then, of course, Zpie, who has been, I would say, the main kryptonite for Waz over the year.

05:37:02.820 --> 05:37:08.020
He's been probably the biggest rival to any Rogue-Mage team on that elemental shaman.

05:37:08.020 --> 05:37:10.620
Just a phenomenal, phenomenal player.

05:37:10.620 --> 05:37:12.220
So, yeah, that would be great.

05:37:12.220 --> 05:37:16.020
It's stiff competition, but I think echo will like the challenge now Jan

05:37:16.020 --> 05:37:18.300
We have to get down to you and we have to start these predictions

05:37:18.300 --> 05:37:22.700
But are you gonna lean towards echo? You know do you have a little bias there? Do you think you're going to be?

05:37:23.380 --> 05:37:29.740
Ah, it's so hard to say because they think you know, they're scared of good being they really didn't want good being to beat FTR

05:37:29.920 --> 05:37:34.100
But I think when you vote against echo, it's it's when you vote with your heart, right?

05:37:34.100 --> 05:37:37.340
I'm gonna vote with my brain today. I just think it's gonna be a 3-0 for echo

05:37:37.340 --> 05:37:40.180
I think they're gonna really show why they're the best team in the world

05:37:40.180 --> 05:37:46.860
Okay, all right start us strong there with that prediction. I mean super are you gonna lean the same way you going 3-0 for Echo?

05:37:46.860 --> 05:37:53.100
Are you going over Gilbeam? I'm not betting against Echo. I'm not interested in using it, I think it's gonna be 3 to 1.

05:37:53.100 --> 05:37:58.460
I think Gilbeam might have some surprises here for us in the series. Okay, all right Ziko are you gonna keep this trend going?

05:37:58.460 --> 05:37:59.980
Are you gonna switch it up?

05:37:59.980 --> 05:38:06.100
Nice try Rook. I'm definitely not taking that bait. It's Echo all the way. I'm thinking of 3-1.

05:38:06.100 --> 05:38:10.060
I think Gildbean will for sure win a game at least, but okay, okay

05:38:10.060 --> 05:38:10.620
All right

05:38:10.620 --> 05:38:16.100
Well, this puts me in the position of having to be the one person that probably is also going to go echo

05:38:16.100 --> 05:38:18.220
No, I think I am you know what?

05:38:18.220 --> 05:38:22.540
I'm gonna put some energy behind Gildbean because we did see them compete earlier

05:38:22.540 --> 05:38:27.020
They've had time to kind of get in the mindset to warm up and we've seen this rise at the top

05:38:27.020 --> 05:38:29.700
I think it narrower and narrower for echo

05:38:29.700 --> 05:38:35.740
So if there was a time and place to see them really be challenged or to lose that championship crown then I think this is here

05:38:35.740 --> 05:38:37.380
where they're playing across these regions,

05:38:37.380 --> 05:38:38.580
to be kind of shown up.

05:38:38.580 --> 05:38:40.780
So I'm gonna go Guildbean and I'm gonna go...

05:38:42.620 --> 05:38:44.340
Three-one.

05:38:44.340 --> 05:38:46.260
Ooh, it's confidence in Guildbean.

05:38:46.260 --> 05:38:47.980
Not a game five?

05:38:47.980 --> 05:38:48.820
Three-two.

05:38:48.820 --> 05:38:51.220
I'm gonna go three-two.

05:38:51.220 --> 05:38:53.660
But I think our teams are ready,

05:38:53.660 --> 05:38:56.500
and I believe that they are more than prepared

05:38:56.500 --> 05:39:00.060
to come out and show us an amazing, amazing start to AWC.

05:39:00.060 --> 05:39:02.580
Let's go ahead and bring the teams to the stage.

05:39:02.580 --> 05:39:03.900
Thank you, Rux!

05:39:05.740 --> 05:39:10.540
Alright, let's do that. Let's welcome these teams to the stage. Are you guys ready for

05:39:10.540 --> 05:39:20.740
some AWC to continue? Amazing love to hear it. Alright, let's hear it for Echo!

05:39:20.740 --> 05:39:45.740
Give it up for Waz, Raikou, JT, and Mercy!

05:39:45.740 --> 05:39:47.740
Shovec, was that you?

05:39:47.740 --> 05:39:49.740
You yelling go easy on him?

05:39:49.740 --> 05:39:55.020
Somebody somebody was yelling go easy on him. I don't think they're gonna be going easy on them cuz we have

05:39:55.500 --> 05:39:57.860
Gilled being as their opponents

05:40:05.860 --> 05:40:07.860
Let's hear it for Zpie

05:40:08.940 --> 05:40:10.940
Lone Tar

05:40:11.020 --> 05:40:12.620
Lizzo

05:40:12.620 --> 05:40:14.620
Maro

05:40:19.740 --> 05:40:26.740
All right, Ruff, send us home.

05:40:26.740 --> 05:40:31.740
Go back with the AWC and the action is just about to resume.

05:40:31.740 --> 05:40:32.740
You can feel the anticipation.

05:40:32.740 --> 05:40:36.740
And thank you to everybody here to support these incredible teams.

05:40:36.740 --> 05:40:38.740
Now we have a big matchup like we've been saying.

05:40:38.740 --> 05:40:41.740
And while you're leaning kind of towards Echo, particularly you,

05:40:41.740 --> 05:40:45.740
Chan, what do you think that Guildbean needs to do to stay in

05:40:45.740 --> 05:40:47.740
this and really give it their all?

05:40:47.740 --> 05:40:51.140
I think Guild Bean are going to have a really hard time because they need to overcome not

05:40:51.140 --> 05:40:55.540
just the Roku Mage, but the Rogue Lock and the Mage Lock.

05:40:55.540 --> 05:40:59.460
And I think on Echo you have the best Rogue in the world, the best Mage in the world, and

05:40:59.460 --> 05:41:01.260
now the best Warlock in the world.

05:41:01.260 --> 05:41:05.100
How are you going to overcome three STO comps?

05:41:05.100 --> 05:41:09.180
Especially, you know, like, I think Guild Bean, we're going to see some interesting comps

05:41:09.180 --> 05:41:10.220
coming out of them.

05:41:10.220 --> 05:41:15.220
I think, I'm expecting actually to see Red Warrior come out of them, but then Echo has

05:41:15.220 --> 05:41:31.220
to counter that and if they play something else rogue mage is waiting rogue lock is waiting. How are you going to overcome that massive obstacle? I don't know how good being is going to do it, but they have to play sick. It is single limb, you know it's due or die. Anything can happen and we have seen echo fall before.

05:41:31.220 --> 05:41:35.540
full. It's true. Look, there could be upsets. And of course, this would be an exciting place

05:41:35.540 --> 05:41:39.620
for them to happen. And I see a lot of the chat as well has been leaning towards echo.

05:41:39.620 --> 05:41:44.340
I mean, with their legacy, it's no wonder. But I do know that for Guilping, there's a lot here

05:41:44.340 --> 05:41:49.060
that they really want as well. Launter in particular has cited that he really would like to be a

05:41:49.060 --> 05:41:54.100
champion and win on the BlizzCon stage. So, I mean, that's a kind of extra amount of pressure

05:41:54.100 --> 05:41:58.260
you're playing under Ziko. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, they got something that they really want to

05:41:58.260 --> 05:42:04.740
play for and I think for all of them not just Lontar, for Gilbin, this is unfinished business.

05:42:04.740 --> 05:42:09.700
The last time they were here they got knocked out by Ekko, they were one game away from taking it all

05:42:09.700 --> 05:42:14.980
and now this is their chance to settle the score. It's single-alim which I think also

05:42:14.980 --> 05:42:22.100
works in their favor because just like Chan mentioned Ekko tends actually to lose quite often

05:42:22.100 --> 05:42:26.340
in the upper bracket and then just clean sweep the bottom bracket and then clean sweep the finals.

05:42:26.340 --> 05:42:28.140
They're a very adaptable team,

05:42:28.140 --> 05:42:30.940
but there is not a lot of time to adapt here at BlizzCon.

05:42:30.940 --> 05:42:35.820
It's do or die, and these teams have had some time to prepare for each other.

05:42:35.820 --> 05:42:37.780
So maybe there's a surprise waiting.

05:42:37.780 --> 05:42:39.380
I can't wait to see the blind pick.

05:42:39.380 --> 05:42:41.460
I know. I think that's going to be the real question.

05:42:41.460 --> 05:42:44.580
We've seen some interesting choices already from the teams today.

05:42:44.580 --> 05:42:47.980
Super, obviously, we know that a lot of these players are renowned for

05:42:47.980 --> 05:42:51.100
various abilities that they have on various classes.

05:42:51.100 --> 05:42:54.100
But what do you think we're going to see come out, class and spec-wise?

05:42:54.100 --> 05:42:56.900
It really depends on the mind games here, right?

05:42:56.900 --> 05:42:58.900
Echo, if they believe in their mage lock,

05:42:58.900 --> 05:43:01.300
that it can beat the Elishaman as well as the Rhett Warrior,

05:43:01.300 --> 05:43:05.000
then I think that mage lock is likely what they will lock in blind.

05:43:05.000 --> 05:43:07.400
But then if Gil Bean knows that it's mage warlock,

05:43:07.400 --> 05:43:10.000
they might have some type of curveball composition,

05:43:10.000 --> 05:43:11.700
and if they manage to get that match up,

05:43:11.700 --> 05:43:12.700
that's the edge they need.

05:43:12.700 --> 05:43:13.700
They need surprise.

05:43:13.700 --> 05:43:14.900
They need something that Echo hasn't seen,

05:43:14.900 --> 05:43:16.800
something that they don't have a lot of practice into,

05:43:16.800 --> 05:43:19.300
because that's when we've seen Echo falter.

05:43:19.300 --> 05:43:22.400
Yeah, I mean, look, if you can just kind of knock your opponent off-kilter,

05:43:22.400 --> 05:43:29.400
even if they are a top team and one that's often times the sort of bar of measure that everybody else has held up against.

05:43:29.400 --> 05:43:34.400
I mean, I think that you have to try and play into that. You have to try and find any advantage that you can.

05:43:34.400 --> 05:43:39.400
And our teams are preparing and getting ready here. I mean, trying to lock in Jan in front of this stage.

05:43:39.400 --> 05:43:45.400
Is there anything you think that they're trying to do to even just make sure they don't get distracted or that the energy doesn't sweep them away?

05:43:45.400 --> 05:43:51.400
I think once the game starts, they're going to fully lock in. But as the gates are counting down, it's going to be absolutely nerve-wracking for them.

05:43:51.400 --> 05:43:55.160
for them. And you know, this is, this is really the first time at BlizzCon that we've seen

05:43:55.160 --> 05:43:59.640
JT and Mercy compete, right? We saw them last year at GamesCon, which of course they won,

05:43:59.640 --> 05:44:04.000
but at BlizzCon with a crowd this big, it's a completely different story. And of course

05:44:04.000 --> 05:44:08.480
with JT healing, he will 100% be in the games. Let's see how he deals with that pressure

05:44:08.480 --> 05:44:09.960
and if he can handle that.

05:44:09.960 --> 05:44:13.360
I mean, yeah, it's very different. But you're at home just kind of playing or you're focused

05:44:13.360 --> 05:44:17.640
locked in versus being in front of a huge audience on a stage with the lights, with the

05:44:17.640 --> 05:44:22.140
sound, but I think that Energy Zico is also a real asset because when you hear

05:44:22.140 --> 05:44:26.240
people cheering for you it gets you really empty up. Absolutely, I mean we

05:44:26.240 --> 05:44:31.200
heard it in the previous series a lot of the time as soon as you hear that

05:44:31.200 --> 05:44:35.640
crowd roar when you're getting close to a Kim, it just keeps that adrenaline

05:44:35.640 --> 05:44:40.800
going. You can really feel the entire stage shake. So let's see what we get

05:44:40.800 --> 05:44:45.200
here in the blind pig. Let's absolutely see as we get ready to come into the map.

05:44:45.200 --> 05:44:51.500
I mean, like you said, when the whole space is just resonating the sound, it is such an exciting moment.

05:44:51.500 --> 05:44:55.500
And I think that maybe everybody here could help us with that too.

05:44:55.500 --> 05:45:01.300
We've got Echo and Gildbeam who are going to be facing off, and we're going to have our very first match in this series.

05:45:01.300 --> 05:45:09.400
Now, like we've lined up, we have champions who have proven across regions that they are legendary PVPers on the side of Echo.

05:45:09.400 --> 05:45:16.400
However, Guild being experienced behind them, wanting it so badly after being denied by Echo in the past,

05:45:16.400 --> 05:45:21.400
there is a lot for them as they hope and just dream to become BlizzCon Champion.

05:45:21.400 --> 05:45:24.700
Now, will they have figured it out? Can they contest whatever Echo has to put down?

05:45:24.700 --> 05:45:25.700
We are about to find out.

05:45:25.700 --> 05:45:28.900
Raise your voices! Give them your energy, Zupa! Let's get into it!

05:45:28.900 --> 05:45:31.200
What is that? It's been seven years!

05:45:31.200 --> 05:45:36.900
Barrow has waited for this rematch against Echo, and he is playing a marksmanship hunter.

05:45:36.900 --> 05:45:40.980
This is a complete curve ball from Mauro and he got the pick that he wanted.

05:45:40.980 --> 05:45:43.700
He wanted that mage matchup into the Hunter.

05:45:43.700 --> 05:45:46.900
Mauro was flexing on that balance during to get here into the semifinals and now

05:45:46.900 --> 05:45:50.340
flexing on that marksmanship. Hunter, it needs to surprise Echo.

05:45:50.340 --> 05:45:54.340
This is the perfect curve ball, but will it be able to pull off a win Ziko?

05:45:54.340 --> 05:45:58.100
Yeah, that is the question here. We wanted to see a curve ball and we got one.

05:45:58.100 --> 05:46:02.580
Gilbeen coming in with a big surprise here. I didn't even know Mauro could play Hunter

05:46:02.580 --> 05:46:06.100
and we're going to see here some big pressure coming out. Mercy actually is playing

05:46:06.100 --> 05:46:11.780
the Shadow Fury, so able to get some stuns here for his team, trying to set up some damage onto Zpie,

05:46:11.780 --> 05:46:18.100
but as long as they can get uptime on either Ryke or Mercy, it's going to be a great time here for

05:46:18.100 --> 05:46:24.180
Guild Dean. Of course, big one-shot potential coming out at any point here, and this is where JT

05:46:24.180 --> 05:46:27.620
is going to be tested, because somebody could easily die three CDs here.

05:46:27.620 --> 05:46:32.020
All right, big pressure from that rapid fire on Ryke. JT is there to block Iron Bark and quick

05:46:32.020 --> 05:46:36.660
recovery on his part. Now Mercy is setting up with double coils under Zpie and Morrow.

05:46:36.660 --> 05:46:39.220
Morrow will make an exchange here, but now they're switching their pressure to Zpie.

05:46:39.220 --> 05:46:42.820
JT clutching out a main stun on Zpie. He's pinned out in the corner right now,

05:46:42.820 --> 05:46:46.740
getting blasted. Wontara is going to rescue him towards the Druid and try and get aggressive.

05:46:46.740 --> 05:46:51.060
They're in the binding shot. Raku gets hit hard right now. Big crits and they get a nice block

05:46:51.060 --> 05:46:55.620
so early from Morrow in a matchup like this. The main floor lock is focused on defense and

05:46:55.620 --> 05:47:00.020
crowd control, so to force a cooldown like that, not even two minutes into the game,

05:47:00.020 --> 05:47:04.500
is excellent for Jill Dean however now they need to focus on defense Lontar in a polymorph.

05:47:04.500 --> 05:47:09.700
Oh Maro taking a lot of damage here Lontar does have a already used his community but he does

05:47:09.700 --> 05:47:15.140
have the rewind available to himself and still have some emergency buttons and as well as Zepi's

05:47:15.140 --> 05:47:19.940
extra utility from that Retribution Paloal. Maro though caught up in the Cyclone here going

05:47:19.940 --> 05:47:24.980
things down for a second Lontar as well caught up in a bash and that is what the Mage lock is all

05:47:24.980 --> 05:47:29.220
about. You just want to slow down your opponent get crowd control you see a full diamondized trap

05:47:29.220 --> 05:47:31.900
actually onto JT, but no more follow-up CCs.

05:47:31.900 --> 05:47:33.100
Sleepwalk coming through.

05:47:33.100 --> 05:47:37.460
Big damage onto Ryke, forced into his second ice block,

05:47:37.460 --> 05:47:38.460
already said.

05:47:38.460 --> 05:47:40.620
Our predictions, our predictions right now

05:47:40.620 --> 05:47:41.940
might be in shambles.

05:47:41.940 --> 05:47:44.660
The pressure is insane from Guild being Mercy.

05:47:44.660 --> 05:47:46.700
Critically low on health, and JT is struggling.

05:47:46.700 --> 05:47:48.900
This is a matchup they probably haven't seen a lot

05:47:48.900 --> 05:47:50.780
in practice as Guild being pulled out

05:47:50.780 --> 05:47:53.260
in Marksmanship Hunter for seemingly the first time

05:47:53.260 --> 05:47:54.580
on broadcast.

05:47:54.580 --> 05:47:56.140
Is it going to actually work for them?

05:47:56.140 --> 05:47:57.140
Is great pressure on Mercy?

05:47:57.140 --> 05:47:59.540
They're baiting JT to switch heal over time effects

05:47:59.540 --> 05:48:00.940
with a warlock by attacking him.

05:48:00.940 --> 05:48:03.900
And now they will switch back to the mage, which puts JT heavily

05:48:03.900 --> 05:48:04.620
by all.

05:48:04.620 --> 05:48:06.220
He's forced to trinket the iron barks,

05:48:06.220 --> 05:48:07.620
and he recovers in this position.

05:48:07.620 --> 05:48:09.540
But now it is almost a checkmate.

05:48:09.540 --> 05:48:12.300
Mercy needs to be on the ball with fears here.

05:48:12.300 --> 05:48:14.780
Because of the double coil, but there's no cover on long top.

05:48:14.780 --> 05:48:17.260
He should be able to easily heal through that incoming pressure.

05:48:17.260 --> 05:48:18.260
And they have true shot.

05:48:18.260 --> 05:48:19.260
They're pushing for it.

05:48:19.260 --> 05:48:21.340
Any crowd control on JT, and it could be game over.

05:48:21.340 --> 05:48:22.420
They land the diamond dice.

05:48:22.420 --> 05:48:23.260
They need damage.

05:48:23.260 --> 05:48:25.540
There's their rapid fire, just a little bit more, not enough.

05:48:25.540 --> 05:48:27.780
Raikou is playing complete defense right now.

05:48:27.780 --> 05:48:29.460
He's just on that pillar, hugging the pillar,

05:48:29.460 --> 05:48:30.460
trying to get back.

05:48:30.460 --> 05:48:32.500
He has teammates now pushing out into the midfield.

05:48:32.500 --> 05:48:34.220
As JT jumps to his side,

05:48:34.220 --> 05:48:35.300
Longer breaks his stun.

05:48:35.300 --> 05:48:36.540
Morrow is getting pressured.

05:48:36.540 --> 05:48:37.980
They're trying to push the retpaladin back

05:48:37.980 --> 05:48:39.380
at the same moment in time.

05:48:39.380 --> 05:48:40.660
Raikou just needs a couple more seconds,

05:48:40.660 --> 05:48:41.780
but he's getting aggressive.

05:48:41.780 --> 05:48:43.060
He's going for the red frost on Z-Py.

05:48:43.060 --> 05:48:45.100
Z-Py stabilizes, stun on JT.

05:48:45.100 --> 05:48:45.940
Where's the trap?

05:48:45.940 --> 05:48:46.780
They get the trap.

05:48:46.780 --> 05:48:47.620
Where's Raikou?

05:48:47.620 --> 05:48:48.940
Is he gonna go down or not with the pressure?

05:48:48.940 --> 05:48:50.540
It looks like he's taking zero damage right now,

05:48:50.540 --> 05:48:52.220
despite that crowd control.

05:48:52.220 --> 05:48:54.380
Yeah, beautiful defensive play here from Raikou.

05:48:54.380 --> 05:48:59.480
still 125 seconds before he has that ice block so that kill window is narrowing

05:48:59.480 --> 05:49:03.460
down here for give being they need to make something happen because all of a

05:49:03.460 --> 05:49:07.820
sudden the chaos is coming through from mercy shadow fury mercy gets walked

05:49:07.820 --> 05:49:12.800
through big damage all to mercy 20% HP there for a second full hammer of

05:49:12.800 --> 05:49:16.560
justice as well mercy does trigger that one JT caught up in a full diamond ice

05:49:16.560 --> 05:49:20.760
try right who has the ice book back in just one more second and right you is

05:49:20.760 --> 05:49:21.600
is going to be feeling comfortable.

05:49:21.600 --> 05:49:22.800
He might just have to press it.

05:49:22.800 --> 05:49:25.320
Immediately has to use it the moment

05:49:25.320 --> 05:49:26.680
and come back up full down.

05:49:26.680 --> 05:49:27.720
Chance is out of it early.

05:49:27.720 --> 05:49:29.720
Iron Bark used at the same moment to counter spell

05:49:29.720 --> 05:49:30.680
Long-Tar into a Polymorph.

05:49:30.680 --> 05:49:32.640
Raikou is getting aggressive in this moment in time

05:49:32.640 --> 05:49:33.720
and will communion from Long-Tar.

05:49:33.720 --> 05:49:35.480
That should seal the team back up here.

05:49:35.480 --> 05:49:36.480
He does get cycloned on it.

05:49:36.480 --> 05:49:37.840
Denying the heal to deep eye.

05:49:37.840 --> 05:49:38.960
Almost going down right there.

05:49:38.960 --> 05:49:41.480
Lay on hands to heal himself back to full health

05:49:41.480 --> 05:49:42.680
in that moment.

05:49:42.680 --> 05:49:44.680
Doesn't panic, doesn't get overwhelmed.

05:49:44.680 --> 05:49:46.120
And now it's about finding the target.

05:49:46.120 --> 05:49:47.600
They need to stay on Raikou here.

05:49:47.600 --> 05:49:50.740
There's no ice blocks for him to immune incoming damage.

05:49:50.740 --> 05:50:09.240
They need to get crowd control on JT, they need to stun, and they need the trap, there's the stun, there's the trap, now they need the damage, can Zpie get in there, they're pressuring Mercy at the moment, he still has some options to trade though, he's rebuked at the moment, he's going to gate across the map, beautiful position for Mercy, he's making more health stones, resetting for the late game, playing an excellent mage lock so far.

05:50:09.240 --> 05:50:13.580
Yeah, I'm just looking all about survivability all about control and then isolating a target

05:50:13.980 --> 05:50:19.800
Mercy is getting isolated right now. Had to use the unending resolve now trying to get aggressive with some cast

05:50:19.800 --> 05:50:23.060
But he's getting sleepwalked on it. He's getting CC beautiful shutdown

05:50:23.060 --> 05:50:26.800
Here's the handle of Justin as well the JT's out of crowd control can he keep him up?

05:50:26.800 --> 05:50:29.920
Looks like JT is gonna be able to power through that. They're swapping over to the right

05:50:29.920 --> 05:50:33.860
Beautiful damage coming out right here with no ice block. Mercy with no cooldown

05:50:33.860 --> 05:50:40.020
This is a nightmare situation for JT his first game on BlizzCon and his entire team has nothing

05:50:40.020 --> 05:50:44.980
He's gonna have to predict where the damage is going to land and he's gonna need to stay ahead here on the druid

05:50:44.980 --> 05:50:47.460
There's the stun. There's the trap. Who is he gonna be?

05:50:47.460 --> 05:50:48.460
Morrow!

05:50:48.460 --> 05:50:49.460
Mercy!

05:50:49.460 --> 05:50:50.960
Mercy! Might just fight right now!

05:50:50.960 --> 05:50:56.660
Can they do it? Gil's been pushing for the win with that extra health stone saving Mercy in the nick of time, Sid.

05:50:56.660 --> 05:51:03.160
Mercy's such a heads up tactician right now in that position anticipating that they have nothing left in making more health stones to heal

05:51:03.160 --> 05:51:07.360
at that critical moment but JT's mana is behind which is not what you want as the mage lock.

05:51:07.360 --> 05:51:10.120
You want to be winning on mana in the later stages of the match.

05:51:10.120 --> 05:51:13.400
Now it's just a matter of getting Zpie to his target on that Refusion Paladin.

05:51:13.400 --> 05:51:16.520
He's getting stunlocked having a difficult time at the moment caught into a coil.

05:51:16.520 --> 05:51:19.000
It could be his divine shield. He's critically low on health.

05:51:19.000 --> 05:51:21.720
Big Heels come through and it looks like he will restabilize.

05:51:21.720 --> 05:51:23.680
Sleepbox on JT into a trap.

05:51:23.680 --> 05:51:27.200
Mauro is getting excellent op control and Raikou is in the middle of the map.

05:51:27.200 --> 05:51:28.800
Could JT do it once again?

05:51:28.800 --> 05:51:30.800
He's greater in business. He blinks back to the pillar.

05:51:30.800 --> 05:51:33.760
Line is siding with JT, they're rebuffing the mark of the wild,

05:51:33.760 --> 05:51:36.400
racing their versatility and durability for the late game.

05:51:36.400 --> 05:51:38.560
They're attacking Loatar a bit, he's got no trinket.

05:51:38.560 --> 05:51:41.440
They see an opening there, they catch him in the shot, they see no way!

05:51:41.440 --> 05:51:42.800
And they take it!

05:51:42.800 --> 05:51:45.600
Ekko turning around in game one.

05:51:45.600 --> 05:51:47.200
What an insane swap.

05:51:47.200 --> 05:51:48.880
That was a wild, I mean you were right.

05:51:48.880 --> 05:51:52.640
See that pivot was so quick there, but you can just see immediately

05:51:52.640 --> 05:51:56.800
how it caught Gilpeen off guard and how fast he was to fall.

05:51:56.800 --> 05:51:58.160
I'm so unfortunate.

05:51:58.160 --> 05:52:01.480
Yet, this is Echo in peak form as we can see.

05:52:01.480 --> 05:52:02.320
I have to say though,

05:52:02.320 --> 05:52:05.000
Guildbeam seems to give them a good run for their money, Ziko.

05:52:05.000 --> 05:52:07.760
Yeah, Guildbeam came in with a game plan.

05:52:07.760 --> 05:52:09.680
They executed it beautifully,

05:52:09.680 --> 05:52:11.280
but this is Echo we're talking about.

05:52:11.280 --> 05:52:14.640
They know how to play this major warlock expertly.

05:52:14.640 --> 05:52:18.120
They continue to maneuver across the map.

05:52:18.120 --> 05:52:21.160
Every single time the kill target is going across the map,

05:52:21.160 --> 05:52:23.000
the enemy team, they have to follow.

05:52:23.000 --> 05:52:25.400
The red paladin is gonna have to go out in the open.

05:52:25.400 --> 05:52:27.080
The healer is gonna have to follow the red paladin

05:52:27.080 --> 05:52:32.200
keep him out of ground control and that is when you can see a situation like that where oh the healer has no

05:52:32.200 --> 05:52:38.840
Trinket, he has no emerald communion, he has no buttons he can use while he's stunned, let's switch to him, let's set it up and they do so beautifully.

05:52:38.840 --> 05:52:48.040
I mean very very efficient as we just witnessed right, but there were some interesting things that we got to see in that first game and I honestly think that Gilbean put up a strong fight champ.

05:52:48.040 --> 05:52:56.600
Yeah absolutely, I mean the pressure on the Mercy, he always died the first time he got kicked, couldn't you see so many health turns, it's about 30% and then the second time he's underneath his ult.

05:52:56.600 --> 05:52:59.200
And this third time when JT gets put into the trap, Trinket's late,

05:52:59.200 --> 05:53:02.400
the AI bar comes through just in time to save Mercy.

05:53:02.400 --> 05:53:04.400
This game was so sketchy for Ekko.

05:53:04.400 --> 05:53:06.400
I think if you're a guild being, you're quite happy with this.

05:53:06.400 --> 05:53:10.000
But of course, Ekko, as always, finds the win condition.

05:53:10.000 --> 05:53:11.600
Honestly, I thought they were losing this game.

05:53:11.600 --> 05:53:12.800
It wasn't going well for them.

05:53:12.800 --> 05:53:15.800
They saw that Longtime was stuck in the middle of the map,

05:53:15.800 --> 05:53:16.800
didn't have his Trinket,

05:53:16.800 --> 05:53:18.600
and it looks like Zephyr actually tried to bubble Sankin,

05:53:18.600 --> 05:53:19.600
but it just came too late.

05:53:19.600 --> 05:53:21.200
I thought so too, honestly.

05:53:21.200 --> 05:53:22.800
I wrote a note down that was just like,

05:53:22.800 --> 05:53:26.800
Chan, is Gilbien making you rethink your prediction of 3.0 echo of that?

05:53:26.800 --> 05:53:33.200
If we see this matchup again, I think Gilbien should win, because when you play mage lock, this is a defensive setup, right?

05:53:33.200 --> 05:53:36.600
You have so much crowd control, of course, all three classes have spambles, CC.

05:53:36.600 --> 05:53:39.700
What you want is the game to go into dampening.

05:53:39.700 --> 05:53:44.500
The longer the game is going to go into dampening, the harder it's going to be for Lontar to keep up with all the pressure.

05:53:44.500 --> 05:53:48.600
And once it gets to that point, Zpie can't stay in anymore, Mara can't stay in anymore.

05:53:48.600 --> 05:53:52.520
But with the preservation of Urka on long time, it's just he has to play in the middle.

05:53:52.520 --> 05:53:54.920
He has to play close range and actually find that win condition.

05:53:55.000 --> 05:53:59.480
It's just so beautiful to listen to Chan talk about mage lock and going out to dampening.

05:53:59.480 --> 05:54:00.520
It's just a classic.

05:54:00.520 --> 05:54:03.360
I was just like, yeah, this guy is an expert at this subject.

05:54:03.600 --> 05:54:05.160
He could not have a better person for this.

05:54:05.160 --> 05:54:06.800
It's so true. It's so true.

05:54:06.800 --> 05:54:09.360
And you know, those were some of the picks we saw that obviously played a role.

05:54:09.360 --> 05:54:11.800
But this marksmanship hunter, I also wanted to talk about,

05:54:11.960 --> 05:54:14.320
Super, how do you think that this kind of worked out for the team?

05:54:14.680 --> 05:54:18.040
I think if there's not a rogue and there's no disarm, it's a great pick.

05:54:18.040 --> 05:54:20.440
I think it can get a phenomenal amount of damage out.

05:54:20.440 --> 05:54:22.880
The difficulty, though, is, was, is sitting on the bench.

05:54:22.880 --> 05:54:25.120
So if you blind lock that Marksmanship Hunter,

05:54:25.120 --> 05:54:27.680
he is more than ready to go to totally shut down

05:54:27.680 --> 05:54:30.000
any type of pressure that that Marksmanship Hunter

05:54:30.000 --> 05:54:30.960
is going to be able to get out.

05:54:30.960 --> 05:54:32.080
That's the liability.

05:54:32.080 --> 05:54:34.000
It really was that blind pick that's

05:54:34.000 --> 05:54:35.800
so important in this series.

05:54:35.800 --> 05:54:38.760
Losing that game, one, could unravel it for Guildby,

05:54:38.760 --> 05:54:40.120
because they've lost their surprise.

05:54:40.120 --> 05:54:41.000
They lost that curve.

05:54:41.000 --> 05:54:43.440
They won the blind pick as far as their strategies.

05:54:43.440 --> 05:54:44.800
The long-trip got caught out.

05:54:44.800 --> 05:54:47.760
Zpie was too slow to react to be able to save him at that moment.

05:54:47.760 --> 05:54:52.480
and now they've lost that element of surprise, which is pivotal to take down a team like I felt.

05:54:52.480 --> 05:54:56.080
I mean, it's really true, right? You know, mentioning kind of as we were going through that game,

05:54:56.080 --> 05:54:58.960
you're just saying, oh, I think this is the first time we've seen that Marksmanship Hunter,

05:54:58.960 --> 05:55:02.080
at least on broadcast that's been pulled out. And that is something that can totally catch

05:55:02.080 --> 05:55:06.240
another team off guard if you're not sure how your opponent is going to play around that.

05:55:06.240 --> 05:55:10.880
So if they don't have that advantage, Ziko, what do you think they need to be trying to look at

05:55:10.880 --> 05:55:16.800
now to give them an edge? I mean, it's got to be maps. Like, I think, yeah, seeing Dalaran Sewer,

05:55:16.800 --> 05:55:22.120
seeing hook points in small maps like this, it's going to not only help your

05:55:22.120 --> 05:55:25.840
red paladin connect to its target but it's also going to help your Prezi

05:55:25.840 --> 05:55:30.000
Voker to have pillars while still being because they want to play on that mid

05:55:30.000 --> 05:55:33.800
range as a Prezi Voker, you want to be able to go in get sleepwalks and then duck

05:55:33.800 --> 05:55:37.720
back out spam disintegrates, get your your abilities off because they don't have

05:55:37.720 --> 05:55:43.240
that crazy amount of range on them and at the same time it also limits Echo's

05:55:43.240 --> 05:55:48.360
potential to drag you around on a large map like Negrand, which I think is the biggest

05:55:48.360 --> 05:55:53.540
indicator of why we're seeing this change now from Echo. They don't want that matchup

05:55:53.540 --> 05:55:54.540
on a small map.

05:55:54.540 --> 05:55:58.280
Very true, very true. I mean, Chan, just like Zika was kind of pointing out here, the map

05:55:58.280 --> 05:56:02.400
can put a lot of pressure on a team and how they're going to kind of maneuver it. But

05:56:02.400 --> 05:56:05.440
as we start to see these drafts come in, what do you think the strategy is going to

05:56:05.440 --> 05:56:06.440
be?

05:56:06.440 --> 05:56:09.880
It's very hard to say, but like I just want to add on to what Zika's saying, man. We've

05:56:09.880 --> 05:56:12.840
the reason why it's so hard is because of the big gateway.

05:56:12.840 --> 05:56:14.800
And of course, Dalaran Arena comes out.

05:56:14.800 --> 05:56:15.640
It's a small map.

05:56:15.640 --> 05:56:17.520
You can't take advantage of that big gateway.

05:56:17.520 --> 05:56:19.800
So Echo pivot to the rogue mage.

05:56:19.800 --> 05:56:21.760
And Guildbeam, this is their answer, right?

05:56:21.760 --> 05:56:24.800
Warrior, Rhett, Prezavoka into the rogue mage.

05:56:24.800 --> 05:56:27.720
And I've heard that this is a really, really hard matchup

05:56:27.720 --> 05:56:30.320
for Echo, so excited to see what's going to happen.

05:56:30.320 --> 05:56:32.000
It is a smaller map.

05:56:32.000 --> 05:56:33.880
I don't think Echo is going to be able to kite around

05:56:33.880 --> 05:56:35.240
the entire time.

05:56:35.240 --> 05:56:37.920
The Warrior, Rhett, I've seen right through die pre-block

05:56:37.920 --> 05:56:39.800
even with the quarter rise.

05:56:39.800 --> 05:56:43.160
I don't want to jinx him here, but I would love to see that.

05:56:43.160 --> 05:56:44.360
Just watch.

05:56:44.360 --> 05:56:45.680
OK, well, you can manifest that.

05:56:45.680 --> 05:56:46.680
You can manifest that.

05:56:46.680 --> 05:56:49.200
I'm sure the team is like, please don't.

05:56:49.200 --> 05:56:51.200
But I mean, good points all around, right?

05:56:51.200 --> 05:56:52.920
I mean, how is this going to play out for them?

05:56:52.920 --> 05:56:54.840
And how is GuildBeam's answer with this comp

05:56:54.840 --> 05:56:56.560
going to kind of contest with Echo?

05:56:56.560 --> 05:56:58.120
Supa, do you have any additional thoughts?

05:56:58.120 --> 05:56:59.720
I think they've set it up perfectly.

05:56:59.720 --> 05:57:00.640
This is the best map.

05:57:00.640 --> 05:57:02.040
This is the matchup that they wanted.

05:57:02.040 --> 05:57:03.600
They came into this with a strategy.

05:57:03.600 --> 05:57:04.640
They've got curve balls.

05:57:04.640 --> 05:57:06.440
Like, this is what you need if you're GuildBeam.

05:57:06.440 --> 05:57:08.280
But I imagine if you're Mauro, we talked about it

05:57:08.280 --> 05:57:10.320
in the first series when he had to go on the bench,

05:57:10.320 --> 05:57:12.040
like it's out of his hands now, right?

05:57:12.040 --> 05:57:14.840
And he's been a very important MVP for the team.

05:57:14.840 --> 05:57:17.320
So Zpie and Blizzard need to have amazing synergy

05:57:17.320 --> 05:57:19.560
on that retribution paladin and warrior.

05:57:19.560 --> 05:57:22.520
Their stuns need to be coming in, in sync on two targets.

05:57:22.520 --> 05:57:24.200
You're able to isolate and burst down a target.

05:57:24.200 --> 05:57:27.360
They need perfect support, no overlaps, zero mistakes.

05:57:27.360 --> 05:57:29.160
If you're anything less than flawless,

05:57:29.160 --> 05:57:31.000
you are not gonna be able to take down Echo.

05:57:31.000 --> 05:57:32.720
No, I mean, you won't because as we've said,

05:57:32.720 --> 05:57:35.520
they are phenomenal and legendary players.

05:57:35.520 --> 05:57:37.360
But, I mean, Guildbean, they clearly come up

05:57:37.360 --> 05:57:39.440
with an idea of how they want to try to purchase, right?

05:57:39.440 --> 05:57:42.160
They don't want to just go out in the series here.

05:57:42.160 --> 05:57:44.200
So, I mean, we've talked a bit about the comp

05:57:44.200 --> 05:57:45.040
and everything else,

05:57:45.040 --> 05:57:47.240
but Ziko, is there anything else that you think

05:57:47.240 --> 05:57:49.000
that coming in here you need to try to do

05:57:49.000 --> 05:57:50.320
to secure a victory?

05:57:50.320 --> 05:57:52.600
Well, I believe it was Gilbeen that said,

05:57:52.600 --> 05:57:54.600
if we can't beat Echo,

05:57:54.600 --> 05:57:56.080
no one else is gonna be able to do it.

05:57:56.080 --> 05:57:58.200
So they're very confident in themselves.

05:57:58.200 --> 05:58:00.640
They have the experience on the roster to back it up.

05:58:00.640 --> 05:58:03.240
And seemingly they have the comps as well.

05:58:03.240 --> 05:58:06.320
I mean, winning that blind pick,

05:58:06.320 --> 05:58:09.320
or sorry, losing that blind pick is definitely brutal for Gilbeam,

05:58:09.320 --> 05:58:11.800
but that doesn't necessarily mean that the series is over.

05:58:11.800 --> 05:58:13.960
They're showing us a lot of depth right now.

05:58:13.960 --> 05:58:16.960
If they have a game plan where they can go to small maps,

05:58:16.960 --> 05:58:19.680
lock in the cleave with the red warrior,

05:58:19.680 --> 05:58:21.560
and actually win here,

05:58:21.560 --> 05:58:24.240
that is going to reveal a lot in this matchup.

05:58:24.240 --> 05:58:27.080
And then on the big maps, they can take it back,

05:58:27.080 --> 05:58:29.480
and they're going to have to beat the mage lock on a big map,

05:58:29.480 --> 05:58:33.120
potentially with the Cupid cleave or be the rogue mage.

05:58:33.120 --> 05:58:34.280
It's going to be a rocky road ahead,

05:58:34.280 --> 05:58:38.840
But I think focusing on this game right now is going to do them a lot you can't go beyond that

05:58:38.840 --> 05:58:42.960
You just have to think about what you can do right here right now to try and stay in the fight

05:58:43.120 --> 05:58:47.800
Echo have one point on the board and while the dustbin gilbine is completely down to the wire yet

05:58:47.800 --> 05:58:52.160
They definitely want to even that score as they had here into the sewers

05:58:52.160 --> 05:58:56.720
They're gonna have to try their very best to counter everything that echo lays down

05:58:56.720 --> 05:59:03.040
They are a strong and dominant team for a reason but gilbine came in with a plan and with the classes to back it up

05:59:03.040 --> 05:59:08.040
Supa, this is gonna be a huge one between these two. Everybody make some noise!

05:59:08.040 --> 05:59:15.040
Single elimination. You lose three. You are out of the competition in the entire years of work.

05:59:15.040 --> 05:59:18.040
On the line, it's been seven years since these teams went head to head.

05:59:18.040 --> 05:59:22.040
And right now, Echo has the edge, catching Lone Tart, and punishing him.

05:59:22.040 --> 05:59:27.040
And I can imagine he's beating himself up right now over that swap, and he will not be leaving himself open.

05:59:27.040 --> 05:59:30.040
Now Raikou and Wazir and Stealth, they're sneaking on top of their opponents.

05:59:30.040 --> 05:59:33.580
dragon's breath but blizzard blade storms to immune the stun lock there's a

05:59:33.580 --> 05:59:37.080
great read from blizzard immediately on that crowd control laws is trying to

05:59:37.080 --> 05:59:39.720
adapt we're just getting bleeds up he's not committing just yet there's the

05:59:39.720 --> 05:59:43.080
kidney shot but blizzard is there to support long tires ready for the hits

05:59:43.080 --> 05:59:46.120
he deep breaths to the new crowd control and stunning attackers as they're

05:59:46.120 --> 05:59:48.960
leading back in on top of right to they're trying to shut him down during

05:59:48.960 --> 05:59:52.720
the combustion they fear up jt they force multiple medallions from echo which

05:59:52.720 --> 05:59:56.400
could be an opening they can exploit soon yeah jt has no trigger here they

05:59:56.400 --> 05:59:59.640
could swap to him but no they don't have enough justice and continue to go

05:59:59.640 --> 06:00:04.520
after this mage here. I would have actually loved to see a swap to JT if you try to take him down

06:00:04.520 --> 06:00:08.680
at least in the next minute. The next time they have that hammer of justice potentially

06:00:08.680 --> 06:00:11.960
and they could look for it but right now it's going to be all about Echo. They're going up to

06:00:11.960 --> 06:00:17.560
deep by huge damage coming out here. Waz is pulling the trigger on the death mark. The Kingsbane

06:00:17.560 --> 06:00:22.280
everything. Raku has combustion as well in 20 seconds. So good recovery here coming out from

06:00:22.280 --> 06:00:27.320
Gilbeam but Nontar had to use the rewind and his trinket as well. So I revolt steam so just

06:00:27.320 --> 06:00:29.320
out of pull-down basically at this point.

06:00:29.320 --> 06:00:31.320
Riku just with that Emerald Communion,

06:00:31.320 --> 06:00:33.320
JT with no trinket as well.

06:00:33.320 --> 06:00:35.320
He's going to be at his team's mercy here.

06:00:35.320 --> 06:00:37.320
Are they going to swap to him? No.

06:00:37.320 --> 06:00:39.320
Going for the Hammer of Justice once again,

06:00:39.320 --> 06:00:41.320
going after the Mage.

06:00:41.320 --> 06:00:43.320
And so far, Riku has not really been tested.

06:00:43.320 --> 06:00:45.320
There's probably a way for a second,

06:00:45.320 --> 06:00:47.320
but he will recover as well.

06:00:47.320 --> 06:00:49.320
So Riku had an amazing massive fizz during

06:00:49.320 --> 06:00:51.320
Loatar's Hammer of Justice that interrupted

06:00:51.320 --> 06:00:53.320
the incoming crowd control to follow it up.

06:00:53.320 --> 06:00:55.320
So really well done from Riku.

06:00:55.320 --> 06:00:59.000
communion but he gets punished with a cyclone by JT in response to the night

06:00:59.000 --> 06:01:02.500
healing and they're following up with even more damage as DeFi and Blizzo are

06:01:02.500 --> 06:01:06.280
both at 50% health. Hunter needs to recover two players critically well

06:01:06.280 --> 06:01:08.640
how they go for a double stun they're trying to turn their defense into

06:01:08.640 --> 06:01:11.920
offense instead but they're finding nothing on the walls during that entire

06:01:11.920 --> 06:01:16.480
hammer of justice. Yeah let's see it here. Waz still taking a lot of damage.

06:01:16.480 --> 06:01:19.840
Nicely here coming out there from Blizzo. This should be a long season and this

06:01:19.840 --> 06:01:24.280
should be like it's ice block eventually nice all the time into the spear of

06:01:24.280 --> 06:01:28.200
Bastion there from Blizzow doing a lot of damage but they are out of the

06:01:28.200 --> 06:01:32.200
crowd control here and now Lontar finds himself in a cyclone it's very very

06:01:32.200 --> 06:01:36.480
insane that JT goes for offensive place there before his meds is even fully

06:01:36.480 --> 06:01:40.160
recovered but that's the kind of synergy that they're working with here on the

06:01:40.160 --> 06:01:44.720
side of Ekko JT now finds himself in a stun, it's well blind as well no

06:01:44.720 --> 06:01:48.680
pressure though again I feel like Duke Bean's pressure just isn't high enough

06:01:48.680 --> 06:01:52.640
for that red warrior on this map finally right there is taking some damage can

06:01:52.640 --> 06:01:55.440
they push for that first ice ball finally. It doesn't look like it right.

06:01:55.440 --> 06:01:59.480
He's making a way once again to safety, building that distance and manages to recover.

06:01:59.480 --> 06:02:03.960
Great recovery, great positioning from Ryker. This is a tough map to navigate as an age against

06:02:03.960 --> 06:02:07.600
the Cleveland. He's just cutting on the top rampside, getting polymorphs as well.

06:02:07.600 --> 06:02:11.640
Forcing the blessing of spell warning from Zpie is it immune's magic damage but not

06:02:11.640 --> 06:02:14.960
bleeds. So Wask might still be able to snipe him right now. He's critically low.

06:02:14.960 --> 06:02:18.560
Is he just going to go down again too? Gills coming in from Lone Tar with a

06:02:18.560 --> 06:02:23.080
time dilation but a cyclone from JT. I love the cyclones from JT. He's just really wreaking

06:02:23.080 --> 06:02:26.720
havoc in this game. Number two, he gets a full stun on Loantar forcing his medallion

06:02:26.720 --> 06:02:32.160
off. JT is hard carrying this game. This run of the cyclone gets disrupted by Z5. Pyroblast

06:02:32.160 --> 06:02:36.120
being channeled by Raikou and those hard-casted Pyroblasts. They hit very hard.

06:02:36.120 --> 06:02:41.080
Yeah, JT though caught up in the stun. Could they get something here on the Raikou? Maybe.

06:02:41.080 --> 06:02:42.080
So close.

06:02:42.080 --> 06:02:47.000
Carderized is available. No, Raikou will recover. Once again, JT just sitting through that.

06:02:47.000 --> 06:02:50.480
you're just greeting it again as well there with the massive heads and they

06:02:50.480 --> 06:02:53.640
managed to stay alive without having to leave that high spot from where you are

06:02:53.640 --> 06:02:57.160
that's fine there's only have one but you got a full polymorph and here comes the dammit team

06:02:57.160 --> 06:03:01.760
mine is just gonna fall echo on match point

06:03:01.760 --> 06:03:06.520
there's a great echo to match point and it was definitive there I mean just like

06:03:06.520 --> 06:03:09.840
was pointed out at the end of the last game when echo decides they are coming

06:03:09.840 --> 06:03:14.640
for blood they just go for it immediately vicious take down at the end

06:03:14.640 --> 06:03:19.600
giving them another point however I mean it seems like this whole game right we

06:03:19.600 --> 06:03:24.480
saw at least Gilbean in the last game kind of put them on the sort of defensive

06:03:24.480 --> 06:03:27.920
at the start it seems like they weren't even able to really accomplish that here

06:03:27.920 --> 06:03:31.760
in game two Echo was just holding strong and we're really really aggressive from

06:03:31.760 --> 06:03:36.400
the start Zico. Yeah and that's the thing Raikou is so greedy with that ice

06:03:36.400 --> 06:03:39.960
block Chan you know he talks a lot about Raikou going down without blocking

06:03:39.960 --> 06:03:44.400
but it's because he plays like this that they're able to stay aggressive the

06:03:44.400 --> 06:03:48.120
entire match because when you don't have that ice block we saw how we had to play

06:03:48.120 --> 06:03:52.000
in game number one when he was down both his ice blocks all he can do is just run

06:03:52.000 --> 06:03:55.800
and not really be a target but in a game like this it can be a big threat he

06:03:55.800 --> 06:03:59.120
can do a lot of damage you can look for the polymorphs you actually set up the

06:03:59.120 --> 06:04:04.280
game win like we saw here in the end and that all comes from the confidence

06:04:04.280 --> 06:04:08.280
knowing that I still have my defensive if something goes wrong. It's true and

06:04:08.280 --> 06:04:11.520
Chan we've got a bit more insight here so you can give us that in depth info on

06:04:11.520 --> 06:04:15.100
ice blocking as well as we go. Yeah I mean with the fire mage of course you do have the

06:04:15.100 --> 06:04:18.780
quarter rise so if you go to you know you're about to die it will you back up and then

06:04:18.780 --> 06:04:22.820
have a massive dot on you but I mean look at right here like if he's frost he ice blocks

06:04:22.820 --> 06:04:27.140
there every single time and that is the strength of fire mage of course for right here specifically

06:04:27.140 --> 06:04:32.240
he loves that but Zpie unfortunately doesn't have the luxury goes down without using his

06:04:32.240 --> 06:04:37.180
but well a bit of a to be honest a very huge defensive mistake when you do a pin side but

06:04:37.180 --> 06:04:41.420
To give them some credit, man, BlizzCon and Zpie are struggling this entire game.

06:04:41.420 --> 06:04:43.100
They're sitting at 40-50%.

06:04:43.100 --> 06:04:46.740
And of course, if the Kingsman comes through, the combustion comes through at any point,

06:04:46.740 --> 06:04:48.140
it's just so sketchy for them.

06:04:48.140 --> 06:04:49.580
And so long-term, it has to do so much work.

06:04:49.580 --> 06:04:51.540
It's so difficult for European to play.

06:04:51.540 --> 06:04:54.100
And it's such a difference from this game one, right?

06:04:54.100 --> 06:04:56.300
And when you're under the pressure at BlizzCon,

06:04:56.300 --> 06:04:58.900
playing a matchup like this where the assassination broke,

06:04:58.900 --> 06:05:01.660
the Fire Mage has these massive burst potentials,

06:05:01.660 --> 06:05:03.220
this is what happens.

06:05:03.220 --> 06:05:06.140
I mean, you see it just immediately caused that death.

06:05:06.140 --> 06:05:11.020
and you're right, it's so fast, but you have to be on the lookout for it.

06:05:11.020 --> 06:05:15.820
But you know, Gilbein, this kind of puts them in a place where they really have to win this next one

06:05:15.820 --> 06:05:18.780
or they will be out of this single elimination.

06:05:18.780 --> 06:05:21.580
So of course, I mean, they need to be figuring out how they're going to answer this,

06:05:21.580 --> 06:05:23.100
how they can get a point on the board.

06:05:23.100 --> 06:05:25.900
And that pressure, I think, is very intense for them, Supa.

06:05:25.900 --> 06:05:27.900
I mean, they just lost their blind pick advantage.

06:05:27.900 --> 06:05:33.740
They lost their best map pick advantage in this matchup in both times to no divine shield.

06:05:33.740 --> 06:05:36.680
So that is just going to be nerve wracking at that point.

06:05:36.680 --> 06:05:39.180
Do you start to doubt that the Rep Paladin is going to work?

06:05:39.180 --> 06:05:40.380
Are they going to be able to deliver on it,

06:05:40.380 --> 06:05:42.860
or should they just go back to maybe some Bretton Butter,

06:05:42.860 --> 06:05:45.660
like some major warrior, or even maybe possibly the Moonkin warrior

06:05:45.660 --> 06:05:47.760
that we saw from them in the first series?

06:05:47.760 --> 06:05:50.400
Because right now it just seems like the Retribution Paladin

06:05:50.400 --> 06:05:51.900
is just falling short.

06:05:51.900 --> 06:05:53.660
Yeah, I mean, Ziko, hearing that,

06:05:53.660 --> 06:05:54.960
do you think that that Rep Paladin is something

06:05:54.960 --> 06:05:57.140
that should be swapped out at this point?

06:05:57.140 --> 06:06:00.440
I honestly, even in their series, I guess, F tier,

06:06:00.440 --> 06:06:07.040
I thought it was extremely cold that they locked it in after they lost and they did manage to win on it

06:06:07.120 --> 06:06:12.720
But even when we interviewed Mara afterwards, he's like, how did we win that like we were completely out?

06:06:12.720 --> 06:06:14.720
You know, we had nothing left

06:06:14.760 --> 06:06:20.320
So I haven't really been a big fan of the red Paladin all together to be honest with you from Gilbin

06:06:20.320 --> 06:06:23.160
I like the red hunter a lot more

06:06:23.880 --> 06:06:29.880
But of course the red hunter into rogue mages are completely different thing and as long as and that's the that's the problem

06:06:29.880 --> 06:06:34.840
when you're facing Echo because on the blind pick they're just going to lock in Rogue Mages

06:06:34.840 --> 06:06:39.840
which is grading this everything and it kind of puts Gilbin in the situation where they have to lock in him.

06:06:39.840 --> 06:06:45.340
I mean it's true, I mean we just saw their Chan, the picks that came in and it's kind of that same situation here

06:06:45.340 --> 06:06:50.340
but is there anything you think that they can adapt to try to stay in this when they're not sent home from BlizzCon?

06:06:50.340 --> 06:06:55.340
It's a tough situation to be in Rogue because you're down 0-2 at this point, you're on a match point now.

06:06:55.340 --> 06:07:02.740
Like Sid said, they lost the blind pick, they lost the advantage, and now they just have to, you know, it's a Hail Mary on hook point.

06:07:02.740 --> 06:07:08.240
The Red Warrior needs to come out again, and the thing is now, does the E-Pipe just bubble to you early, right?

06:07:08.240 --> 06:07:14.340
This is what happens when you lose games in massive tournaments like this, where you don't press your defensive cooldowns in time,

06:07:14.340 --> 06:07:17.740
and then suddenly everything goes off-stripped, it's a disaster.

06:07:17.740 --> 06:07:19.540
And we'll see if they can recover from this.

06:07:19.540 --> 06:07:23.340
You know what I mean, these guys are veterans, if anyone can do it, I do believe it can be them.

06:07:23.340 --> 06:07:28.740
I do as well, but you know everyone it never hurts to get some extra energy in the arena for them

06:07:28.740 --> 06:07:31.420
Can you raise your voices for Gilbean cheer them on?

06:07:33.940 --> 06:07:38.940
There we go, even if I hear some echo fans out there booing in the distance

06:07:38.940 --> 06:07:44.940
Gilbean definitely feels that and we all like a good series if you can you always want it to see want to see it go

06:07:44.940 --> 06:07:49.220
To five so if they can stay in this we will continue to see this back and forth between them

06:07:49.220 --> 06:07:56.420
We know that Gilbein want this. They lost to Echo in the past here on the BlizzCon stage. They want to win now, Supa.

06:07:56.420 --> 06:08:03.820
They have been fighting for a championship title for so many years and only one map will eliminate them at this point.

06:08:03.820 --> 06:08:08.820
There is no more room for mistakes. The gates are open. There is no turning back.

06:08:08.820 --> 06:08:12.620
Ryke was moving in. They're trying to find them and stealth. They don't. They meet them with a double dragon's breath.

06:08:12.620 --> 06:08:17.620
This is a dangerous start for Gilbein as they pull the trigger immediately on their combustion.

06:08:17.620 --> 06:08:22.380
Zpie with an immediate response in this position to make himself more durable throughout this assault.

06:08:22.380 --> 06:08:26.240
Waz is now stunned up. He is the target. Of course, Global Shadows are targeting JT.

06:08:26.240 --> 06:08:30.000
And that's what you pointed out. In the last game, you wanted more swaps to JT, Zpie.

06:08:30.000 --> 06:08:34.600
Yeah, and that is looking beautiful. They got his Bart skin here, and now already he's in Tree of Life.

06:08:34.600 --> 06:08:40.300
So if they can get a nice setup on the team again, they could potentially take him down, or at least force his trinket.

06:08:40.300 --> 06:08:44.280
Let's see if they can end up doing it right now, going after Raikou in the meantime.

06:08:44.280 --> 06:08:48.440
but pressure is looking kind of good so far for Echo actually,

06:08:48.440 --> 06:08:51.360
getting a Cyclone onto Blizzow, isolating Zpie in a kidney shot.

06:08:51.360 --> 06:08:53.560
Zpie definitely struggling right now.

06:08:53.560 --> 06:08:56.720
Lontar gets crowd-controlled there, nice sanctuary though from Zpie.

06:08:56.720 --> 06:08:59.280
The free Lontar out of that stun on his Trinket.

06:08:59.280 --> 06:09:03.280
Beautiful place from both sides there to recover from that sketchy situation.

06:09:03.280 --> 06:09:07.720
But Zpie, it's like Chan said, if you take too much damage,

06:09:07.720 --> 06:09:10.480
all of a sudden we might see early cooldown usage here.

06:09:10.480 --> 06:09:14.240
And right now, that Barc seems to have forced up JT, has rotated back up,

06:09:14.240 --> 06:09:16.800
but they're not going to be able to capitalize on it whatsoever.

06:09:16.800 --> 06:09:19.200
And that is because of JT's excellent positioning.

06:09:19.200 --> 06:09:22.000
It might just be game over here. They've already forced so many cooldowns.

06:09:22.000 --> 06:09:23.120
They have another combustion.

06:09:23.120 --> 06:09:25.200
They shockwave it for a moment to try and stall damage,

06:09:25.200 --> 06:09:27.040
but Z-Py is getting absolutely clobbered.

06:09:27.040 --> 06:09:29.760
He's going to trade the lay on hands there and play very conservatively,

06:09:29.760 --> 06:09:32.320
just immediate trade on his part for the combustion.

06:09:32.320 --> 06:09:35.120
But now it's a Kingsbane coupled with it as well,

06:09:35.120 --> 06:09:36.560
positive taking zero damage.

06:09:36.560 --> 06:09:39.760
Echo looking undeniable, just looking untouchable.

06:09:39.760 --> 06:09:42.520
The Good Bean are finding no momentum in this matchup,

06:09:42.520 --> 06:09:43.920
even despite all this crowd control

06:09:43.920 --> 06:09:45.560
that they've thrown onto JT.

06:09:45.560 --> 06:09:46.960
Waz is just walking it off.

06:09:46.960 --> 06:09:49.120
It's just glancing blows towards him

06:09:49.120 --> 06:09:50.520
and full down by cool down.

06:09:50.520 --> 06:09:53.800
Good Bean are being whittled down another kidney shot,

06:09:53.800 --> 06:09:55.000
cheap shot, engagement.

06:09:55.000 --> 06:09:56.280
Raikou trying to find a polymorph.

06:09:56.280 --> 06:09:57.240
Will he be able to secure it?

06:09:57.240 --> 06:09:58.080
Yes, he will.

06:09:58.080 --> 06:10:00.160
However, the time dilation did sneak through

06:10:00.160 --> 06:10:01.680
in the midst of the crowd control chain.

06:10:01.680 --> 06:10:03.520
They can see if I have a bit more durable right now.

06:10:03.520 --> 06:10:05.200
Buying time for Lone Tarty to get out of crowd control

06:10:05.200 --> 06:10:06.040
and healed him back up.

06:10:06.040 --> 06:10:08.760
Now as he buys charging in towards JT, they stun him.

06:10:08.760 --> 06:10:14.060
They're trying to switch back, they're getting under Ryku, and they're trying to swap off the heal over time effects of the rest of the Jards.

06:10:14.060 --> 06:10:18.760
They're switching between the Mage and the Rogue, trying to target whoever doesn't have a lifeblood currently.

06:10:18.760 --> 06:10:25.260
Yeah, it looks like maybe they're trying to go for an outlast strategy here, try to attack JT's mana bar maybe,

06:10:25.260 --> 06:10:32.760
but so far it's not looking too good because Waz and Ryku are also ahead on damage, and JT and Lontar both hide on healing.

06:10:32.760 --> 06:10:36.360
So if it goes the distance, it's going to come down to just being efficient.

06:10:36.360 --> 06:10:38.520
Lontar, looking for a sleepwalk, gets it onto JT.

06:10:38.520 --> 06:10:41.880
This is going to be a big setup, and that is going to be JT's trinket.

06:10:41.880 --> 06:10:46.600
So Wazz right there was caught up on a stun, and JT had to trinket the spell, and Wazz

06:10:46.600 --> 06:10:50.200
still taking a lot of damage, and had to trade out the Cloak of Shadows there as well.

06:10:50.200 --> 06:10:53.800
So now I want to see her pull all in on JT.

06:10:53.800 --> 06:10:55.800
He's got nothing left, just send him.

06:10:55.800 --> 06:10:58.720
Yeah, they do have the stuns, and they have the Avenging Wrath.

06:10:58.720 --> 06:11:01.560
Is he probably going to be able to connect here in time?

06:11:01.560 --> 06:11:02.560
Can they risk it?

06:11:02.560 --> 06:11:04.200
so far away in the corner of the map.

06:11:04.200 --> 06:11:05.720
And when is Zpie going to make that commitment?

06:11:05.720 --> 06:11:06.280
Is he going to cross?

06:11:06.280 --> 06:11:08.680
He sees a pyroblast being casted, taking half a cell.

06:11:08.680 --> 06:11:10.160
The Lone Tar with quick reactions

06:11:10.160 --> 06:11:11.400
heals it back immediately.

06:11:11.400 --> 06:11:12.600
Now they are charging forward.

06:11:12.600 --> 06:11:13.400
Fire breath connects.

06:11:13.400 --> 06:11:14.720
I think Raikou's going to be the target.

06:11:14.720 --> 06:11:15.920
They're trying to stun down the healer.

06:11:15.920 --> 06:11:16.880
They stun JT.

06:11:16.880 --> 06:11:17.760
They storm bolt walls.

06:11:17.760 --> 06:11:19.080
They swap off the life bloom.

06:11:19.080 --> 06:11:20.520
They catch walls in the middle of the map.

06:11:20.520 --> 06:11:22.320
But he still has evasion if he needs it.

06:11:22.320 --> 06:11:24.080
Iron Barf, it looks like it should be enough.

06:11:24.080 --> 06:11:25.080
JT recovers the team.

06:11:25.080 --> 06:11:26.800
Now Lone Tar in power control.

06:11:26.800 --> 06:11:28.920
Zpie once again defensively at the pillar.

06:11:28.920 --> 06:11:30.520
The waving Lone Tar's heals.

06:11:30.520 --> 06:11:31.440
Because if you manage to recover,

06:11:31.440 --> 06:11:34.160
Lizzo's leaping in aggressively trying to get momentum with that intimidating

06:11:34.160 --> 06:11:38.000
shot. However, he used it aggressively. We've seen him typically use his

06:11:38.000 --> 06:11:41.200
intimidating shot defensively and now that he doesn't have it to peel attacks,

06:11:41.200 --> 06:11:45.320
that could be dangerous for Guilty. Yeah, we'd actually love to see him to use it

06:11:45.320 --> 06:11:49.320
to set up this warp onto JT, but we're not gonna get to see it. Instead, it's

06:11:49.320 --> 06:11:53.040
gonna be Zephyr here getting chopped up behind the pillar, giving each of King's

06:11:53.040 --> 06:11:56.800
Band coming out from Waz, and now Waz actually finds a stun behind the pillar

06:11:56.800 --> 06:12:00.880
out of his healers line of sight, but manages to recover without having to use

06:12:00.880 --> 06:12:05.280
any major defensives. Nontar's still holding onto that rewind as well so both teams have

06:12:05.280 --> 06:12:11.680
answers here. Keep going in this fight mana so far you can kind of even between both healers as well

06:12:11.680 --> 06:12:16.720
and so far these fire breath purges are really doing a lot of work here for Nontar as well

06:12:16.720 --> 06:12:21.280
removing a lot of the healer of the time effects. Please look at Swap too! Swap Bump! Big damage with

06:12:21.280 --> 06:12:26.160
no death mark available still though. Good pressure coming in here and immediately Zipai is going to

06:12:26.160 --> 06:12:29.680
use his bubble there to try to save the day. They pinned down Raikyuu to try to turn it around to

06:12:29.680 --> 06:12:33.300
forces ice block but nice dragon's breath nice disarmed immediately the

06:12:33.300 --> 06:12:37.600
sense of reaction coming out from echo the sleepwalk does a lot of work there

06:12:37.600 --> 06:12:41.000
though onto JT they're going after Westale here Stormbolt coming out as

06:12:41.000 --> 06:12:44.920
well but it's DR'd and it looks like they are going to recover after getting

06:12:44.920 --> 06:12:49.200
that big defensive cool down from Z5. Oh no Z5 is he on for Barrens he had to use

06:12:49.200 --> 06:12:52.440
the barricade slow as well both players could go down at any moment see by

06:12:52.440 --> 06:12:55.640
taking tremendous amounts of pressure at this moment in time and they face

06:12:55.640 --> 06:12:58.920
elimination at this point there are no second chances it is single

06:12:58.920 --> 06:13:03.880
elimination, will Z5 be able to hold on and pull off a win in this position?

06:13:03.880 --> 06:13:07.480
There's still so many cooldowns for them to have to work their way through and

06:13:07.480 --> 06:13:11.160
Dampenny is just getting higher that number at the top center. 24% it means

06:13:11.160 --> 06:13:15.120
that team is reduced by that value. It's gonna get more and more intense from

06:13:15.120 --> 06:13:18.280
this point. You see another intimidating challenge, AT, aggressively but

06:13:18.280 --> 06:13:21.960
finding no real momentum. They're line of sighting the combustion, trying to avoid

06:13:21.960 --> 06:13:25.760
Ryku and his Phoenix as much as possible and just stay alive but there's the

06:13:25.760 --> 06:13:28.220
blind into the gouge. Waz is setting up for the win.

06:13:28.220 --> 06:13:30.400
Lone Tart trinkets it, and they punish his trinket.

06:13:30.400 --> 06:13:33.000
His emerald communion comes up very shortly at this point

06:13:33.000 --> 06:13:34.720
in time. Pressure is mounting on Raikyuu.

06:13:34.720 --> 06:13:36.200
Dampening is the double-edged sword.

06:13:36.200 --> 06:13:39.480
He's working in favor of Gilbien as well in some regards.

06:13:39.480 --> 06:13:41.160
But JT just has perfect positioning.

06:13:41.160 --> 06:13:43.600
He's not compromising. He's not getting too close.

06:13:43.600 --> 06:13:44.880
He's picking his moments.

06:13:44.880 --> 06:13:46.160
And unless he overextends,

06:13:46.160 --> 06:13:47.400
I'm not sure if there's going to be an opening.

06:13:47.400 --> 06:13:48.800
Right now, it's basically Waz.

06:13:48.800 --> 06:13:52.080
They need a double-stun escalation on Waz.

06:13:52.080 --> 06:13:54.680
Yeah, they can find it. They are going for it right now.

06:13:54.680 --> 06:13:57.240
This is a kill attempt coming in from Gilbeam.

06:13:57.240 --> 06:13:58.160
Can they take Waz down?

06:13:58.160 --> 06:13:59.160
They charge to reconnect.

06:13:59.160 --> 06:14:01.600
The blind is there on JT, but one more second,

06:14:01.600 --> 06:14:03.360
and he has his trinket back up.

06:14:03.360 --> 06:14:06.640
And fortunately, for Gilbeam, Waz, too slippery

06:14:06.640 --> 06:14:07.840
in that situation.

06:14:07.840 --> 06:14:09.880
They had no trinket on Waz and no trinket on JT.

06:14:09.880 --> 06:14:11.960
And now, here comes the pressure from Ekko.

06:14:11.960 --> 06:14:13.080
We're going after Blizzle.

06:14:13.080 --> 06:14:14.080
He's taking a lot of damage.

06:14:14.080 --> 06:14:16.000
He's trying to reconnect back onto Ryke group,

06:14:16.000 --> 06:14:18.320
and Lompar has zero mana left.

06:14:18.320 --> 06:14:19.320
He has the Emerald community,

06:14:19.320 --> 06:14:20.360
which is gonna give him a little bit,

06:14:20.360 --> 06:14:23.520
but they are running out of time on the side of Gilbeam.

06:14:23.520 --> 06:14:25.560
This is combustion, and Blizz is in the middle of the map.

06:14:25.560 --> 06:14:27.320
He gets a double fear.

06:14:27.320 --> 06:14:28.880
Beautiful timing from Blizz in that position,

06:14:28.880 --> 06:14:30.600
but now he's dismantled, still limited defense.

06:14:30.600 --> 06:14:32.320
Stamperny has very high at this point.

06:14:32.320 --> 06:14:33.960
Long-term time die-lights to reduce damage,

06:14:33.960 --> 06:14:35.240
but now he's met by a cheap shot.

06:14:35.240 --> 06:14:36.160
Waz is engaging.

06:14:36.160 --> 06:14:37.600
He's peeling for Raikou at the same time,

06:14:37.600 --> 06:14:38.560
but is it gonna be enough?

06:14:38.560 --> 06:14:39.640
Whoa, he could critically low.

06:14:39.640 --> 06:14:40.480
Can they do it?

06:14:40.480 --> 06:14:41.400
Can Gilbeen stay alive?

06:14:41.400 --> 06:14:43.080
Another kidney shot, Cyclone Blizzow.

06:14:43.080 --> 06:14:45.520
Alone in his position, Leon hands 30 seconds away.

06:14:45.520 --> 06:14:47.440
Just 30 seconds can Blizzow hold on.

06:14:47.440 --> 06:14:48.280
He's got avatar.

06:14:48.280 --> 06:14:50.520
He's boldly going where no warrior has gone before,

06:14:50.520 --> 06:14:51.840
with nothing left at this point.

06:14:51.840 --> 06:14:57.440
Blake storming for the win can he get the pressure he needs right now to actually do this he is so close to it

06:14:58.680 --> 06:15:02.720
They need more damage. They need to connect with Lizzo. Can't they pull him back to the pillar?

06:15:02.720 --> 06:15:06.640
He's so low is he gonna come back in time? It looks like he will hold on a pillar

06:15:06.640 --> 06:15:09.920
They stun lots of the storm ball. They're trying to take a moment of reprieve

06:15:09.920 --> 06:15:14.280
They're 10 seconds away from lay on hands and with that cool down they can make a very big committed push

06:15:14.280 --> 06:15:16.840
I don't know about that. What else has left mark?

06:15:16.840 --> 06:15:21.880
He has kings bang insane damage coming in from wise right now. Blizzle is on the run

06:15:22.160 --> 06:15:24.280
Bladestorm is it gonna be enough to save him here?

06:15:24.280 --> 06:15:28.680
Lothar has so much work to do and I don't know how he's able to do it the lay on hands connect

06:15:29.200 --> 06:15:35.120
But he's got so much damage from echo pushing for a seat in the grand finals

06:15:35.120 --> 06:15:38.200
They just need a little bit more, but right you need to be careful. He's got no

06:15:38.560 --> 06:15:43.000
Carderize you could die before blocking here. Yes, we extremely careful big damage

06:15:43.000 --> 06:15:46.440
He's talking right through, and he will press the ice book this time.

06:15:46.440 --> 06:15:48.840
They can win, they can win, they have fear, they need it, but he's kidney shot, he needs

06:15:48.840 --> 06:15:49.840
to drink it.

06:15:49.840 --> 06:15:52.680
He's died by the sword, he's so close to winning, he's so close to winning right now.

06:15:52.680 --> 06:15:54.920
Right through his first life, he gets the fear!

06:15:54.920 --> 06:15:58.280
He mounts the business, right, he blinks away, Greeter in business, Blitzel leaps in, and

06:15:58.280 --> 06:16:01.360
now he's got to die by the sword, he needs to prepare, is he going to get the preparian

06:16:01.360 --> 06:16:02.360
time?

06:16:02.360 --> 06:16:05.760
He gets it, he prepares, but he's dying through it, but he is so high, star surgers are crashing

06:16:05.760 --> 06:16:10.480
in, he just wants to connect, he just needs to connect, he's so close to the win, the little

06:16:10.480 --> 06:16:12.480
And the ball goes down!

06:16:12.480 --> 06:16:15.480
Guild Bean stay alive!

06:16:15.480 --> 06:16:18.480
Was choosing to fight this out, but I don't think it's likely.

06:16:18.480 --> 06:16:19.480
He's got smoke bomb.

06:16:19.480 --> 06:16:21.480
Maybe two versus three.

06:16:21.480 --> 06:16:23.480
Could be on the table with no mana.

06:16:23.480 --> 06:16:25.480
If Zepad doesn't bubble or something like that in this position,

06:16:25.480 --> 06:16:26.480
but they should be able to hold on.

06:16:26.480 --> 06:16:28.480
Sleepwalk is there.

06:16:28.480 --> 06:16:29.480
And Guild Bean, man.

06:16:29.480 --> 06:16:31.480
They had to sweat it out.

06:16:31.480 --> 06:16:33.480
Oh, no, he bubbles.

06:16:33.480 --> 06:16:34.480
He's not messing with him.

06:16:34.480 --> 06:16:35.480
I'm not messing with him this time.

06:16:35.480 --> 06:16:37.480
There'll be three times in a row.

06:16:37.480 --> 06:16:39.480
Guild by Bean are doing it.

06:16:39.480 --> 06:16:41.480
There's a point on the board.

06:16:41.480 --> 06:16:42.480
There is a chance.

06:16:42.480 --> 06:16:44.480
I mean, we said as much guilt.

06:16:44.480 --> 06:16:48.480
Bean have been so close before and they have lost to echo.

06:16:48.480 --> 06:16:51.480
They want to stay in this and fight it to the bitter end.

06:16:51.480 --> 06:16:53.480
And this is exactly what they had to do.

06:16:53.480 --> 06:16:55.480
The BlizzCon dream is not dead for them yet.

06:16:55.480 --> 06:16:59.480
And in fact, they really, really committed to this push.

06:16:59.480 --> 06:17:03.480
This extension as we got to see Blizzow as well going so far out to try to take right.

06:17:03.480 --> 06:17:06.480
I mean, that was a huge risk.

06:17:06.480 --> 06:17:09.980
That was crazy, but it was a little bit calculated too.

06:17:09.980 --> 06:17:15.920
I mean the death mark came out from Waz onto Blizzo and they just said you know what that's just rely on the lay on hands

06:17:15.920 --> 06:17:21.040
We're just gonna keep pushing over on to the mage and see what happens

06:17:21.040 --> 06:17:24.900
And they had the blessing of spend awarding as well and in Zpie's credit

06:17:24.900 --> 06:17:30.080
We you know talked a little bit of smack because he died without bubbling a couple of times

06:17:30.080 --> 06:17:34.400
or you know let his teammate die as well without bubbling but in this game

06:17:34.400 --> 06:17:39.280
he made sure that he gave Blizzle all the support he needed to reach his

06:17:39.280 --> 06:17:42.620
destination which was of course to put right here on the shopping block channel

06:17:42.620 --> 06:17:46.460
it was indeed Chan take us through what you saw in this game yeah absolutely I

06:17:46.460 --> 06:17:49.580
mean this is where Raikou had his polarized force right and we always

06:17:49.580 --> 06:17:53.080
talked about how sketchy that is for the fire mage but you would be they wrote a

06:17:53.080 --> 06:17:56.960
defensive cooldowns very very well and I do want to commend Zeeq Zeeq

06:17:56.960 --> 06:18:02.700
fight more on that as well. Zico like you said, you know he bubbled into the smoke bomb to save Blizzard early in the game.

06:18:02.700 --> 06:18:07.680
And then at the end there comes in the Leon hands when I thought it was over lots of zoom comes into the Leon hands the

06:18:07.680 --> 06:18:11.540
Sang the spell warding sorry, and they actually end up getting the kill on right you here

06:18:11.540 --> 06:18:14.320
You look being this was this was a pretty good game from them

06:18:14.320 --> 06:18:18.760
But it still feels a bit sketchy the first level to game it doesn't feel good at all as

06:18:19.380 --> 06:18:20.740
Damping starts to ramp up though

06:18:20.740 --> 06:18:26.620
You see the vet warrior the constant pressure of the vet warrior right who's scared why is it scared and then we always see

06:18:26.620 --> 06:18:29.420
Blizzow catching J2 with these fears without Trinket.

06:18:30.420 --> 06:18:33.620
We do indeed. I mean, impressive to see the back and forth.

06:18:33.620 --> 06:18:36.520
And you're right, it felt like at any given moment,

06:18:36.520 --> 06:18:39.620
they were constantly dancing on like dangerous edge.

06:18:39.620 --> 06:18:42.320
Just not sure if they were going to be able to lock it in,

06:18:42.320 --> 06:18:43.720
but risking it all, champ.

06:18:43.720 --> 06:18:45.620
And Blizzow, this is the thing about him, man.

06:18:45.620 --> 06:18:48.020
I remember facing him in Legion in BFA,

06:18:48.020 --> 06:18:50.920
he was always so good in these high pressure moments

06:18:50.920 --> 06:18:53.820
to keep going, to trust his teammates, to trust his healer,

06:18:53.820 --> 06:18:55.020
to keep him aggressive.

06:18:55.020 --> 06:18:56.520
And this is the scariest thing about him.

06:18:56.520 --> 06:19:00.700
Normally when you see a warrior in his kind of position, he's running backwards to the pillar, waiting to get topped up,

06:19:00.700 --> 06:19:04.140
but it's so damp at this point and he knows he can get the kill, and that's why he's the best warrior.

06:19:04.140 --> 06:19:12.100
I mean, it was phenomenal. You're right. Like, that level of skill, that aggression, but also that knowledge of just how far you can push it and risk it

06:19:12.100 --> 06:19:20.620
and still be able to come back. I mean, impressive play. And Supa, this was honestly, I think, exactly what we wanted to see for Guildbean,

06:19:20.620 --> 06:19:26.020
especially since they said that they thought they could take down Echo and that maybe nobody else could if they weren't able to.

06:19:26.020 --> 06:19:29.420
Yeah, I mean, phenomenal on their map pick and their comp advantage.

06:19:29.420 --> 06:19:31.720
They don't get that for the rest of the series.

06:19:31.720 --> 06:19:33.820
They have to win on Echo's territory.

06:19:33.820 --> 06:19:36.420
They have to win against the grain with their composition.

06:19:36.420 --> 06:19:37.720
So what is their blind pick?

06:19:37.720 --> 06:19:40.520
What is their overall best answer into Echo?

06:19:40.520 --> 06:19:43.920
Because I think the Red Warrior will have an incredibly challenging time

06:19:43.920 --> 06:19:46.420
dealing with Mage, Warlock, and look at the map.

06:19:46.420 --> 06:19:47.320
Look at the map.

06:19:47.320 --> 06:19:52.220
Oh, Warlock, Elin's all waiting with Bensir Frostmage.

06:19:52.220 --> 06:19:55.620
You can just sense it on Imperium Domain, excuse me.

06:19:55.620 --> 06:20:01.020
I mean, it's definitely something that's going to be a difficulty for them, but they've started to find their stride.

06:20:01.020 --> 06:20:08.620
However, there we go. We see it locked in here. Ziko, is this spelling doom for them or are they just deciding this is it?

06:20:08.620 --> 06:20:09.620
We're going to go with this.

06:20:09.620 --> 06:20:12.820
This is the ramifications of losing the previous two games.

06:20:12.820 --> 06:20:19.620
When you're facing, like Chan said, a team that has triple S tier comps with the best players on each role,

06:20:19.620 --> 06:20:24.020
you're going to have to pick your poison here. You lost the blind pick, so you can't just ping pong back and forth

06:20:24.020 --> 06:20:28.420
and continue to get at least on your wins, you know, good matchups.

06:20:28.420 --> 06:20:30.620
You can't do that because you lost the first two.

06:20:30.620 --> 06:20:31.520
You have to pick.

06:20:31.520 --> 06:20:36.020
Do I play a red warrior into Mage lock on this map?

06:20:36.020 --> 06:20:39.920
Or do I pick the Cupid Cleave here

06:20:39.920 --> 06:20:42.320
into potentially a rogue mage on this map?

06:20:42.320 --> 06:20:44.420
Both options pretty terrible

06:20:44.420 --> 06:20:46.320
and it's actually not even going to be the rogue mage.

06:20:46.320 --> 06:20:48.920
It is going to be the rogue lock here.

06:20:48.920 --> 06:20:51.720
Now, this is something that Chan has a lot of experience with as well.

06:20:51.720 --> 06:20:53.120
Yeah, Chan, tell us more.

06:20:53.120 --> 06:20:56.800
I like to see Mercy play. Like I said earlier, I think he's the best Warlock in the world.

06:20:56.800 --> 06:21:00.480
We haven't gotten to see him play too much. Of course, he did play earlier today, but

06:21:00.480 --> 06:21:04.240
since he's joined Echo, he really hasn't been playing too many games. It's always been the Rogue

06:21:04.240 --> 06:21:09.040
Mage or some other comp. But now we finally get to see him on his main class, on the Warlock.

06:21:09.040 --> 06:21:14.320
I've seen him play this in WarGames, in practice. I am not happy for Zpie right now, or Mara, or

06:21:14.320 --> 06:21:18.240
Lanta. These guys are going to struggle because KaleSport hits so hard now with the destruction

06:21:18.240 --> 06:21:23.680
and buffs. And of course, with was supporting him, setting him up was, you know, he understands

06:21:23.680 --> 06:21:28.600
exactly what he's cast the needs. He always supports them to cast. Mercy's gonna get double

06:21:28.600 --> 06:21:33.200
care spots off the entire game. And even long time, he can die in the prison vote because

06:21:33.200 --> 06:21:36.960
he has to play close range. It's going to be a very scary game for guild bean. But if

06:21:36.960 --> 06:21:42.440
they do win this game, I can, I feel like they can really take the series. I'm so sorry.

06:21:42.440 --> 06:21:45.520
Could you say that a little bit louder? If you're doing this game, I really feel like

06:21:45.520 --> 06:21:47.520
they can take this. Oh, that would be great for my predictions. Thanks,

06:21:47.520 --> 06:21:51.240
I would love that since everybody else here went echo.

06:21:51.240 --> 06:21:52.960
Yeah, I think that would be fantastic.

06:21:52.960 --> 06:21:54.440
So Guilping needs to lock this one in,

06:21:54.440 --> 06:21:56.440
not just for my predictions, but for everybody else

06:21:56.440 --> 06:21:57.840
and supporting them out there.

06:21:57.840 --> 06:21:59.000
But it is going to be challenging, right?

06:21:59.000 --> 06:22:02.520
This is a big open map and they could be sitting ducks.

06:22:02.520 --> 06:22:05.040
Supa, how do you play around a map like this

06:22:05.040 --> 06:22:06.720
with the comp that they're running?

06:22:06.720 --> 06:22:08.320
I mean, it's going to be very challenging.

06:22:08.320 --> 06:22:10.080
Zpie will be tested in this.

06:22:10.080 --> 06:22:11.640
If he overextends in the wrong spot,

06:22:11.640 --> 06:22:13.240
gets feared or cycloned in a corner

06:22:13.240 --> 06:22:15.840
and his teammates get isolated, it will be game over.

06:22:15.840 --> 06:22:18.680
So for me, it's all eyes on Zephyr and his positioning,

06:22:18.680 --> 06:22:20.000
his cooldown management.

06:22:20.000 --> 06:22:22.320
How can he enable and protect his Hunter?

06:22:22.320 --> 06:22:24.400
At those critical moments in time, this is a matchup

06:22:24.400 --> 06:22:25.800
I didn't expect to see.

06:22:25.800 --> 06:22:27.600
I didn't expect to see Mara on the Hunter.

06:22:27.600 --> 06:22:29.000
And we're seeing the Rogue and the Warlock.

06:22:29.000 --> 06:22:30.400
I thought Rogue Mage was likely going

06:22:30.400 --> 06:22:31.440
to be running most of the show.

06:22:31.440 --> 06:22:34.280
But in this series, we are seeing quite an expansive roster

06:22:34.280 --> 06:22:35.880
from both sides.

06:22:35.880 --> 06:22:36.720
It's a huge map.

06:22:36.720 --> 06:22:39.440
And you can see those pillars are very tiny.

06:22:39.440 --> 06:22:40.960
There's not a lot of points to the line of sight

06:22:40.960 --> 06:22:42.040
against the Chaos Bolts.

06:22:42.040 --> 06:22:44.160
There's almost nowhere to hide.

06:22:44.160 --> 06:22:47.420
And it seems like this is going to be probably their greatest challenge.

06:22:47.420 --> 06:22:52.520
Lizzo kept them alive, and now he needs his team to deliver the win on the most difficult map.

06:22:52.520 --> 06:22:55.560
I mean, it's going to be a huge challenge, especially with all those open spaces.

06:22:55.560 --> 06:22:56.660
You were just outlining.

06:22:56.660 --> 06:22:58.060
Echo have the advantage here.

06:22:58.060 --> 06:22:59.320
They have two points.

06:22:59.320 --> 06:23:05.260
They only need one more to move on and have that championship crown in their sights.

06:23:05.260 --> 06:23:10.420
But Gilles Bean, if they want to actually make the dreams that they've held onto for so long a reality,

06:23:10.420 --> 06:23:13.020
they have to get another point on the board, Ziko.

06:23:13.020 --> 06:23:22.140
Match point here, Ekko looking hungry and they are tagging in the Waz Mercy combo here giving us a little bit of a treat in the semifinals.

06:23:22.140 --> 06:23:33.740
If Ekko wins this match, they will be the first team to advance to the grand final where they will await their opponent and let's see what Gildbeam can do to stop it here.

06:23:33.740 --> 06:23:36.620
I mean, Maro on the Hunter sneaking around right now.

06:23:36.620 --> 06:23:42.360
This is the opener, Mercy is going to be the target here for Yieldbeam and a decent opener so far getting good pressure

06:23:42.360 --> 06:23:47.860
but look at that immediate spear coming out off the non-tar, Z5 is going to be the target of choice here as well

06:23:47.860 --> 06:23:51.860
taking a lot of pressure, big swap off the motto, the inferno to call in,

06:23:51.860 --> 06:23:56.860
motto already having to use the survival of the fittest there, already dropping quite low

06:23:56.860 --> 06:23:59.860
and non-tar already burning through some of his own cool-bounds.

06:23:59.860 --> 06:24:01.860
Okay, so Mercy is running the wild.

06:24:01.860 --> 06:24:08.180
It's very intelligent in this matchup, there's a lot of magic crowd control that he'll be

06:24:08.180 --> 06:24:11.720
able to remove from JT, so they're going to have to cover that with things like Hunter's

06:24:11.720 --> 06:24:15.980
Mark to try and prevent his dispel, and if they can win that 50-50 on the dispel they'll

06:24:15.980 --> 06:24:19.160
get pressure, if they lose it they will be very challenging for them, and every time

06:24:19.160 --> 06:24:22.980
they lose that gamble they will fall further behind, but they do catch was around the corner

06:24:22.980 --> 06:24:26.860
here and force JT to use Iron Bark, they sleepwalk and there's that imp to spell, it removes

06:24:26.860 --> 06:24:31.340
the sleepwalk from JT, and that imp is going to be MVP, I think of this matchup, Z-Pass

06:24:31.340 --> 06:24:34.100
trying to get to a target, but you get the vortex back on the rescue.

06:24:34.100 --> 06:24:37.780
The targeting the warlock, they're trying to swap on heal over time effects again in this matchup.

06:24:37.780 --> 06:24:40.500
They switch back to Waz, they catch him, they get his cloak.

06:24:40.500 --> 06:24:46.520
Explosive damage from Morrow and Zpie, however, Waz does respond appropriately.

06:24:46.520 --> 06:24:50.920
Yeah, but Waz now with no trinket, making a very, very interesting situation here.

06:24:50.920 --> 06:24:52.780
Forgiveness being that they can connect like that.

06:24:52.780 --> 06:24:57.840
Again, the problem is, like you mentioned, that Imp is going to be standing in their way here for Mercy.

06:24:57.840 --> 06:25:03.720
And Lontar also had to use his trinket, so openings here potentially on to Maro or Zephyr as well.

06:25:03.720 --> 06:25:10.200
They get the diamondized trap, which cannot be dispelled by the imp, so a little bit of extra protection there, at least against that.

06:25:10.200 --> 06:25:15.400
But still, where is the pressure? Where's the damage going? Both healers able to deal with it so far.

06:25:15.400 --> 06:25:20.520
And it's going to be Zephyr here on the back foot, Waz, just getting up his garotes, getting his dots taking.

06:25:20.520 --> 06:25:23.920
Maro's going to be the target of choice, but Lontar able to spam heal.

06:25:23.920 --> 06:25:27.120
You got a sleepwalk on two wads, but fortunately it broke a little bit early.

06:25:27.120 --> 06:25:29.680
It looked like they wanted to sleepwalk him behind that pillar.

06:25:29.680 --> 06:25:30.720
And now look at Mercy.

06:25:30.720 --> 06:25:33.280
He's already on the opposite side of the galaxy here.

06:25:33.280 --> 06:25:35.120
He's ready to load up those cast bolts.

06:25:35.120 --> 06:25:37.680
I mean, Echo, they trust that they'll win in Dampening.

06:25:37.680 --> 06:25:39.120
They're putting very hesitant.

06:25:39.120 --> 06:25:40.240
They're not going on top of them.

06:25:40.240 --> 06:25:43.600
They're providing their time and waiting for their moment to strike.

06:25:43.600 --> 06:25:44.960
They're putting very passively.

06:25:44.960 --> 06:25:47.920
I wonder if that will come back at them or not.

06:25:47.920 --> 06:25:49.440
Because usually Echo, they're aggressive.

06:25:49.440 --> 06:25:51.840
In the interview, they said they had to play aggressive and they're like, push in.

06:25:51.840 --> 06:25:53.120
But it's really only the waz.

06:25:53.120 --> 06:25:59.120
We can see flaws on top of the entire enemy team, but the rest of them, they're off the screen, they're so far away from the engagement and echo.

06:25:59.120 --> 06:26:04.200
They're hesitating, they're pulling away, they're just trying to drink, they're trying to reset, but they do get counter-engaged on now.

06:26:04.200 --> 06:26:08.400
Stunned into freezing trap, mercy in the middle of the map, he's gonna port back to the pillar.

06:26:08.400 --> 06:26:12.360
This long-term does get shut down for a moment, Goroz being applied, flaws is ramping his damage.

06:26:12.360 --> 06:26:18.360
Our sleepwalking JT, where is the dispel? Looks like it's not gonna hit this time on JT. Hammers are down, no trinket.

06:26:18.360 --> 06:26:20.360
When they find enough damage with the true shot,

06:26:20.360 --> 06:26:22.360
they really needed pressure. They don't find anything.

06:26:22.360 --> 06:26:23.860
And now they swap on Lontar.

06:26:23.860 --> 06:26:25.860
It was that mode communion. He's probably honestly happy

06:26:25.860 --> 06:26:28.360
that he's gonna regenerate Nanna, but they immediately switch targets.

06:26:28.360 --> 06:26:30.360
They've got two targets. Loads, match point for Gilbien.

06:26:30.360 --> 06:26:33.360
They still face elimination, and Mercy catches them in a coil,

06:26:33.360 --> 06:26:36.360
blasting them down from midfield, and look at Lontar's team.

06:26:36.360 --> 06:26:38.860
Just absolutely in shambles right now.

06:26:38.860 --> 06:26:41.360
What happened to Lontar? He's still dying.

06:26:41.360 --> 06:26:44.360
Finally, the deep rep is gonna immune some crowd control

06:26:44.360 --> 06:26:45.860
and get him out of that CC chain.

06:26:45.860 --> 06:26:47.860
That was an incredible push by Ekko.

06:26:47.860 --> 06:26:53.860
And now all of a sudden though, Mercy could be the next target here, but he is on the other side of the map.

06:26:53.860 --> 06:26:56.860
Oh my god, Mercido with the fast trinket.

06:26:56.860 --> 06:26:59.860
He sent the whole spellbook there, used his underneath resolve as well.

06:26:59.860 --> 06:27:04.860
Claw coming out defensively all tomorrow as he is taking a huge chunk of damage.

06:27:04.860 --> 06:27:08.860
Both teams super explosive at this point in time, but I am worried for JT.

06:27:08.860 --> 06:27:10.860
I am worried for Mercy.

06:27:10.860 --> 06:27:15.860
He'll be in hat a real shot here and taking down the warlock if thinking executed perfectly.

06:27:15.860 --> 06:27:20.300
the scattershot, there's the chopper, look at Mercy, he is running for his life with those

06:27:20.300 --> 06:27:22.540
chords as well, building a lot of distance.

06:27:22.540 --> 06:27:26.460
JT gets away from the crowd, Mercy has an infernal, he calls that down, on to Maro,

06:27:26.460 --> 06:27:29.780
they stun Zephine, Zephine needs to bubble this time around, a piece of the target,

06:27:29.780 --> 06:27:33.500
Karotze are hitting multiple targets, they're able to find their damage by a heavy amount

06:27:33.500 --> 06:27:37.180
and the entire team is starting to rot, Hammer of Justice on the warlock, just trying to get

06:27:37.180 --> 06:27:40.180
around that imp dispelled, but it's not really going to get too much value, they do get the

06:27:40.180 --> 06:27:43.380
binding shot, now they get the int, stun, where's the trap, did you get the diamond

06:27:43.380 --> 06:27:44.420
Nice, and they target.

06:27:44.420 --> 06:27:46.380
No, Maro is the one still just dying at the moment.

06:27:46.380 --> 06:27:48.300
Unable to get to Mercy.

06:27:48.300 --> 06:27:50.260
Mercy has adapted his strategy, knowing

06:27:50.260 --> 06:27:52.140
that he's vulnerable and making himself just not

06:27:52.140 --> 06:27:53.460
a target whatsoever.

06:27:53.460 --> 06:27:55.780
Waz pushing forward, realizing he's got his medallion.

06:27:55.780 --> 06:27:56.540
He's got evasion.

06:27:56.540 --> 06:27:59.700
So Waz is throwing himself at the enemy team and baiting them,

06:27:59.700 --> 06:28:00.580
saying, all right, stun me.

06:28:00.580 --> 06:28:01.460
Try and attack me.

06:28:01.460 --> 06:28:03.980
You will make an even trade and deny all of their damage.

06:28:03.980 --> 06:28:06.180
They have to go on the warlock in this position,

06:28:06.180 --> 06:28:07.500
but they're just getting intercepted.

06:28:07.500 --> 06:28:08.900
They can't move off the pillar.

06:28:08.900 --> 06:28:09.700
They're locked down.

06:28:09.700 --> 06:28:10.940
Jaspal to flying in.

06:28:10.940 --> 06:28:15.660
It's match point and Kim Gilpeen find the line to push through and achieve victory

06:28:15.660 --> 06:28:17.900
before Scattershot pushing in on Mercy.

06:28:17.900 --> 06:28:19.900
They're taking their time though to do it.

06:28:19.900 --> 06:28:23.660
ZPY is so low, LongTar is so low, LongTar has been struggling this entire match.

06:28:23.660 --> 06:28:25.900
I mean, look at the damage meter. They're almost getting doubled.

06:28:26.380 --> 06:28:31.340
Yeah, it's brutal for the Cuban fleet to try to connect back onto their target.

06:28:31.340 --> 06:28:35.260
Mercy just playing heads up here, making sure that he's always far away.

06:28:35.260 --> 06:28:39.980
And I honestly think that should slow up to wise just to make him, you know,

06:28:39.980 --> 06:28:41.740
leave the pillar but smoke bomb coming out.

06:28:41.740 --> 06:28:43.980
On tomorrow, one chaos bomb is going to connect.

06:28:43.980 --> 06:28:44.980
Luntar out of breath.

06:28:44.980 --> 06:28:47.620
It's no hope for the deep breath to try to stabilize there,

06:28:47.620 --> 06:28:50.320
buying himself some time to get out of that smoke.

06:28:50.320 --> 06:28:51.780
Beautiful play there from Luntar,

06:28:51.780 --> 06:28:53.020
but Pudan's not looking good.

06:28:53.020 --> 06:28:54.900
He's taking seconds on the Ember of Community.

06:28:54.900 --> 06:28:57.220
Tomorrow, have to use the Churchill here,

06:28:57.220 --> 06:29:00.060
his biggest defensive Pudan out of the way.

06:29:00.060 --> 06:29:01.660
Z-Files still has that bubble,

06:29:01.660 --> 06:29:04.300
but Luntar gets stunned there by the Inferno.

06:29:04.300 --> 06:29:05.700
Big damage still coming out.

06:29:05.700 --> 06:29:07.380
The chaos bombs are raining in.

06:29:07.380 --> 06:29:08.820
Mercedes playing aggressive now.

06:29:08.820 --> 06:29:15.620
That JT has his Trinket back, but she also has his Trinket, and of course that unending result, only 40 seconds away from Mercy,

06:29:15.620 --> 06:29:21.320
basically completely recovered from that blunder earlier on, and now Ekko in the driver seat.

06:29:21.320 --> 06:29:25.320
They need to get an Emerald Communion off successfully, but if you get Cycloned on it, it's GG.

06:29:25.320 --> 06:29:32.220
They Cycloned him. If you can't connect the Emerald Communion, this entire team, 50% at this point, comes out of the Cyclone there and recovers.

06:29:32.220 --> 06:29:35.820
They've managed to actually pause the game for a moment, they get a stun, it's dispelled by the Ember.

06:29:35.820 --> 06:29:39.160
They force spoken shadows at least, but Waz's evasion is only a minute away.

06:29:39.160 --> 06:29:42.640
Another kidney shot, enters ducking into the skies, but they're targeting him.

06:29:42.640 --> 06:29:44.840
They find Lone Tar. Is he ready for the attacks?

06:29:44.840 --> 06:29:48.560
It's deep in damp and he's just gonna use Emerald Communion while he's on Cyclone Demenation Return,

06:29:48.560 --> 06:29:52.120
so he can't be punished. He regenerates the team, he gets some mana, but here comes another vanish.

06:29:52.120 --> 06:29:57.120
Kingsbane is available. Coils are available. Waz and Mercy could do a lot of damage at any moment.

06:29:57.120 --> 06:30:00.000
Who is going to be the target? Waz falling behind the volley.

06:30:00.000 --> 06:30:04.120
Managers to recover huge heals from JT. Maybe they swap JT as well. Maybe they just risk it.

06:30:04.120 --> 06:30:07.380
They risk it all, facing elimination at this point in time.

06:30:07.380 --> 06:30:09.040
They force the Barskin on the swap.

06:30:09.040 --> 06:30:12.040
They're keeping JT on his toes, and that's exactly what you need.

06:30:12.040 --> 06:30:14.360
If you're going to be able to topple Echo, but look at that pressure.

06:30:14.360 --> 06:30:15.320
Look at the momentum.

06:30:15.320 --> 06:30:18.360
Mercy is just getting them in a stranglehold at this point.

06:30:18.360 --> 06:30:21.560
That was an instant dispel onto JT there on the hodge.

06:30:21.560 --> 06:30:23.280
Beautiful work there from Mercy.

06:30:23.280 --> 06:30:26.000
And now Lantar looks like he's going to be the target with Maro.

06:30:26.000 --> 06:30:28.960
He rescues him in, into a HAL of Terror.

06:30:28.960 --> 06:30:30.640
This could be very, very dicey here.

06:30:30.640 --> 06:30:32.440
Mercy so quick to respond there.

06:30:32.440 --> 06:30:36.200
Again, building that distance, doing such great work on the warlock.

06:30:36.200 --> 06:30:41.600
Nice gateway here for JT, realizing that he is a target that could easily chop here.

06:30:41.600 --> 06:30:43.440
And now Waz is well doing left behind.

06:30:43.440 --> 06:30:46.940
Gilding shop coming out, Waz trying to stay alive in that situation.

06:30:46.940 --> 06:30:48.940
Didn't have to use any cooldown to deep wreck up there.

06:30:48.940 --> 06:30:51.320
It's a little bit late, but they do force out the trinket.

06:30:51.320 --> 06:30:52.980
And Waz could be swapped through as well.

06:30:52.980 --> 06:30:54.680
But everyone at Gilding is dying.

06:30:54.680 --> 06:30:56.040
There's no better left.

06:30:56.040 --> 06:30:58.680
Moro's got nothing and they will fall.

06:30:58.680 --> 06:31:01.980
Echo will advance to the grand finals.

06:31:02.440 --> 06:31:09.440
Echo have done it. They have taken this to three points, which means they have secured the first spot in our grand finals.

06:31:09.440 --> 06:31:19.440
Now Gildbean really did look like there was a shot at this. They played incredibly well and they definitely came prepared to try to deal with what Echo put up for them.

06:31:19.440 --> 06:31:28.440
But it's Echo. How do you face them when they are legends and constantly outplay their competition? I mean, super brilliant from both of the teams.

06:31:28.440 --> 06:31:32.760
of the teams, but I think Akko is just amazing to see how well that they have a handle on this.

06:31:32.760 --> 06:31:36.520
The adaptations, I mean, I don't think they anticipated these types of compositions throughout

06:31:36.520 --> 06:31:42.040
the entire season. We have never seen a hunter come out from Gilbeam. We've hardly seen the warrior

06:31:42.040 --> 06:31:48.920
either. Akko just absolutely flawless performance, great adaptability from all four players in this

06:31:48.920 --> 06:31:52.760
series. They didn't get thrown off by that first game with the Frostmage and the pressure that was

06:31:52.760 --> 06:31:57.240
thrown to them. They had strategies, they had multiple compositions, an excellent series,

06:31:57.240 --> 06:32:01.880
Nonetheless, and tragically that will be the end of the run for Gilbean.

06:32:01.880 --> 06:32:07.160
Their rematch will fail this time around and Echo continue to remain dominant.

06:32:07.160 --> 06:32:09.800
Well you know just gives you more fuel for the next time though.

06:32:09.800 --> 06:32:13.720
You know that they wanted this to be the blizzcon that they can come

06:32:13.720 --> 06:32:16.440
and leave their mark in the Hall of Championship fame.

06:32:16.440 --> 06:32:21.000
But of course Echo they outplayed the competition and it is well deserved.

06:32:21.000 --> 06:32:23.880
Everybody we love hearing you raise your voices for the teams and very soon

06:32:23.880 --> 06:32:28.680
We'll be hearing from the teams themselves, but Ziko, do you have any thoughts here as we look back on the series?

06:32:29.040 --> 06:32:33.240
Honestly, I think Gilbein fought valiantly and they had a good plan.

06:32:33.400 --> 06:32:40.320
It just didn't go according to their plan. They predicted the blind pick, they wanted this cupid's cleave to work and win against the mage lock.

06:32:40.520 --> 06:32:47.400
And if they had, it could have been a completely different series, but unfortunately it took too long for them to come online in this series.

06:32:47.520 --> 06:32:50.160
That last warrior game was very good, but it was a little too late.

06:32:50.160 --> 06:32:56.560
Yeah, I mean there definitely seems like there were moments right where they really were showing that they could go for they could

06:32:56.560 --> 06:33:00.620
Overtake echo, but Chan it seemed like like you said it was a little shaky throughout

06:33:00.840 --> 06:33:06.360
Yeah, I mean that is also the nature right of facing the comps that echo has like I said earlier

06:33:06.360 --> 06:33:11.080
They've got the three S tier comps available to them and the three best players of those classes

06:33:11.080 --> 06:33:16.600
It's always going to be difficult, especially when those classes do so much damage, but guilty. They fought valiantly

06:33:16.600 --> 06:33:19.680
There were a lot of moments where it looked like we could have gone either way

06:33:19.680 --> 06:33:23.680
you know, I'm not sure if it's

06:33:23.680 --> 06:33:24.680
the right way. Maybe if echo

06:33:24.680 --> 06:33:25.680
had made a mistake, it could have,

06:33:25.680 --> 06:33:29.680
you know. Born in Winsett. It

06:33:29.680 --> 06:33:30.680
could have indeed, but it did go

06:33:30.680 --> 06:33:31.680
echoes way and you're going to

06:33:31.680 --> 06:33:32.680
be hearing from them. I can you

06:33:32.680 --> 06:33:36.680
give us a bit more information

06:33:36.680 --> 06:33:37.680
as we celebrate echoes when. I

06:33:37.680 --> 06:33:41.680
sure can work. Rug I am here with

06:33:41.680 --> 06:33:45.680
was from echo. All right. I love

06:33:45.680 --> 06:33:47.680
every time this happens. You guys

06:33:47.680 --> 06:33:49.800
You're moving on to the Grand Finals.

06:33:49.800 --> 06:33:51.000
Coming into this weekend,

06:33:51.000 --> 06:33:53.280
what were your expectations for your team?

06:33:53.280 --> 06:33:55.720
Honestly, we did super good in practice.

06:33:55.720 --> 06:33:57.800
We were like 80, 90% win rate.

06:33:57.800 --> 06:33:59.560
And that could be super good,

06:33:59.560 --> 06:34:01.320
but it could also be a massive curse

06:34:01.320 --> 06:34:02.760
because you don't get to like,

06:34:02.760 --> 06:34:05.040
actually have to adapt, you know, we're winning.

06:34:05.040 --> 06:34:06.840
So we keep doing what we're doing.

06:34:06.840 --> 06:34:09.560
But today in practice, we went like 20% win rate.

06:34:09.560 --> 06:34:10.600
I'm not even kidding.

06:34:10.600 --> 06:34:12.240
So I'm super stoked.

06:34:12.240 --> 06:34:13.440
I'm happy for the boys.

06:34:13.440 --> 06:34:15.040
This was insane.

06:34:15.040 --> 06:34:15.880
Amazing.

06:34:15.880 --> 06:34:22.560
Well, for guild bean in particular, was there anything that you had for for game plan for

06:34:22.560 --> 06:34:23.560
that team?

06:34:23.560 --> 06:34:27.040
For guild bean, they were super hard to predict, to be honest.

06:34:27.040 --> 06:34:31.040
We always anticipate the world of mage, but they didn't even pull it out.

06:34:31.040 --> 06:34:36.080
So yeah, I'm not sure, I mean, we won today, but this could have been a 3-1 for them or

06:34:36.080 --> 06:34:37.080
a 3-2.

06:34:37.080 --> 06:34:41.000
Yeah, I mean, you could just tell just the level of competition is so tough here at BlizzCon.

06:34:41.000 --> 06:34:42.600
All right, final question for you.

06:34:42.600 --> 06:34:45.760
Moving on to the Grand Finals, any word for your potential opponents?

06:34:46.560 --> 06:34:50.960
I mean, honestly, I hope we face Calvish, but if we face next from Europe,

06:34:50.960 --> 06:34:54.320
that's also going to be good games, but it's going to be a lot of R&D mirrors, maybe.

06:34:55.920 --> 06:35:00.200
All right. Well, you heard it here. Congratulations once again. It's you, Echo.

06:35:04.240 --> 06:35:07.120
Echo is definitely looking for what's ahead.

06:35:07.120 --> 06:35:11.200
And of course, the Grand Finals are where every single team wants to make it

06:35:11.200 --> 06:35:17.000
that they can become our 2026 AWC champions, but Chan, thinking back on this, we can talk

06:35:17.000 --> 06:35:20.600
a little bit more in depth about what you were even seeing as an analyst on this final

06:35:20.600 --> 06:35:21.600
map.

06:35:21.600 --> 06:35:26.080
I mean, to be honest with you, I was very disappointed with Gildbin's performance in

06:35:26.080 --> 06:35:31.200
this final map. We talked about it earlier in the game where Gildbin all behind the pillar,

06:35:31.200 --> 06:35:36.920
WASP is chasing them, whereas Mercy and JT are 80 yards away just PD, EPS, rotation,

06:35:36.920 --> 06:35:41.560
right? It's just so brutal. And it gives Mercy all this time in the world for freecast. And when

06:35:41.560 --> 06:35:47.560
it gets to do that, look what happens to European's health bar. Everyone is 50% or lower. JT gets to play,

06:35:47.560 --> 06:35:51.240
gets clones on Longside, gets his Trinket out of the way. And they're just constantly forcing

06:35:51.240 --> 06:35:56.040
all these cooldowns earlier in the game. And that ends up biting them in the end because Longside

06:35:56.040 --> 06:36:01.080
was good. JT still had a bit of a manner. But if they perhaps had a different game plan, you know,

06:36:01.080 --> 06:36:05.080
going into this game, I've got to think who would be winning it. Because when they did make a push

06:36:05.080 --> 06:36:09.160
on the mercy. It was so sketchy for Ekko. They got walled, they were helsted, dark packed,

06:36:09.160 --> 06:36:13.560
JT streaked as well in just one setup. Yeah, I mean it was incredibly,

06:36:13.560 --> 06:36:18.840
incredibly close. And Ekko coming in so strong, I think we saw him on the desk as well. And even

06:36:18.840 --> 06:36:22.280
in chat with a lot of the predictions, so many people thought, okay, we've seen what guild

06:36:22.280 --> 06:36:26.360
bean have to offer. But then they brought these surprises to the table that just like we heard

06:36:26.360 --> 06:36:30.200
about in that winners interview really kind of changed things up and how Ekko was having to deal

06:36:30.200 --> 06:36:35.480
with them. Of course, while Echo wanted this was a really good performance from both teams.

06:36:35.480 --> 06:36:40.040
And I mean, we can look at our scores as well and see where this is all shaken out.

06:36:40.040 --> 06:36:44.120
But there in that one, we know at least Echo will be moving on. So I mean,

06:36:44.120 --> 06:36:48.280
Supa, from everything we've seen with our bracket, with all of the games today,

06:36:48.280 --> 06:36:51.880
where do you think we're kind of settling in our final games of the day?

06:36:52.680 --> 06:36:58.040
I mean, Streamer's own GG versus Gatorsback, North America versus Europe. Gatorsback are the last

06:36:58.040 --> 06:37:01.880
remaining North American team. So if you're an NA fan, you absolutely do not want to

06:37:01.880 --> 06:37:05.360
miss this next series. They'll be battling for their lives and battling to get into

06:37:05.360 --> 06:37:09.800
the grand finals to go head to head with Echo. And Streamerzone have been a

06:37:09.800 --> 06:37:14.060
roster that have beaten Echo in Cup stages in those Rogue Mage mirrors. So

06:37:14.060 --> 06:37:18.980
absolutely equal opponents in that sense. So it will not be a cake walk for

06:37:18.980 --> 06:37:22.680
Gatorsback in that regard. I mean it's true but Gatorsback we know very very

06:37:22.680 --> 06:37:25.880
strong. Now here we can see of course in the series that we just saw Echo versus

06:37:25.880 --> 06:37:29.160
built me not to take that 31 but it might be a different story here with

06:37:29.160 --> 06:37:33.080
Gatorsback and streamer zone GG just like we were hearing Ziko I mean both of

06:37:33.080 --> 06:37:36.720
these teams have a ton of potential Gatorsback of course is a really strong

06:37:36.720 --> 06:37:40.880
contender here at the very top of the NA scene but streamer zone GG new

06:37:40.880 --> 06:37:44.440
composition new folks maybe under a familiar banner but they are definitely

06:37:44.440 --> 06:37:48.640
big contenders absolutely I mean Gatorsback the strongest North American

06:37:48.640 --> 06:37:54.120
team and the last North American team if I'm reading this bracket correctly

06:37:54.120 --> 06:37:56.760
Oh wow, okay, no pressure for us in NA.

06:37:56.760 --> 06:37:58.520
Yeah, we got a number up in the desk.

06:37:58.520 --> 06:38:01.840
I think we're gonna need a lot of crowd support

06:38:01.840 --> 06:38:05.400
for Gators back because they got a tough opponent

06:38:05.400 --> 06:38:06.240
ahead of them.

06:38:06.240 --> 06:38:09.880
I mean, I would say even pretty even matchup

06:38:09.880 --> 06:38:11.580
across all players, except for Cubsy.

06:38:11.580 --> 06:38:14.000
I would think Cubsy on that rest of the route has the edge.

06:38:14.000 --> 06:38:18.100
So Gators back on paper, looking better, but still.

06:38:19.080 --> 06:38:20.960
Yeah, I mean, it's gonna be a tense one.

06:38:20.960 --> 06:38:22.920
Super, why should people stick around for this next?

06:38:22.920 --> 06:38:26.480
We just heard from Ziko a bit of the setup, but what do you think is going to be big about our next series?

06:38:26.480 --> 06:38:32.160
It's North America versus Europe. It's been seven years since we've been able to get that rivalry going again.

06:38:32.160 --> 06:38:33.880
So you absolutely do not want to miss it.

06:38:33.880 --> 06:38:37.720
All right. Well, we have a break, but you heard it here from Super.

06:38:37.720 --> 06:38:44.000
You don't want to miss this next one because we have NA and EU clashing live on the stage cross region here at BlizzCon.

06:38:44.000 --> 06:38:48.000
So stick around during the break and we will be back with even more AWC action.

06:38:52.920 --> 06:38:58.920
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We're going to have our two

06:45:10.540 --> 06:45:12.540
grand finalists determined.

06:45:12.540 --> 06:45:14.540
However, we've also got here

06:45:14.540 --> 06:45:16.540
back in the desk. Then I mean

06:45:16.540 --> 06:45:18.540
then we had a big matchup that

06:45:18.540 --> 06:45:20.540
we just saw. We know the echo

06:45:20.540 --> 06:45:22.540
will be moving on. But of course

06:45:22.540 --> 06:45:24.540
Gators back versus streamers on

06:45:24.540 --> 06:45:26.540
G G is going to give us another

06:45:26.540 --> 06:45:28.540
grand finalists. Yeah, I mean,

06:45:28.540 --> 06:45:30.540
I'm very excited for this one

06:45:30.540 --> 06:45:32.540
for multiple reasons, but I've

06:45:32.540 --> 06:45:34.540
been a huge fan of Gators back

06:45:34.540 --> 06:45:39.500
But I've been a huge fan of Gators back throughout their entire season. So seeing them here

06:45:39.500 --> 06:45:44.620
I think a lot of there's a lot of people in the crowd that are cheering for them as kind of North America's last stand

06:45:44.900 --> 06:45:49.020
But also they're just phenomenal players. So I'm excited to see what they can do

06:45:49.980 --> 06:45:52.380
That of course is going to be cubs II dazed

06:45:52.940 --> 06:45:56.260
Cowabish and whiz K the absolutely legendary whiz K

06:45:56.860 --> 06:45:58.860
We expect big things from this team

06:45:58.860 --> 06:46:12.860
They're a young, new roster, but yeah, they bring a lot of talent, just raw talent as well as that expertise coming in from Cubsie and WizK, so you have some of the newer players as well as some of the veteran players coming together and they've been able to make magic happen.

06:46:12.860 --> 06:46:19.860
Absolutely, Ben. And you know you said that we can hear NA cheering for them. NA, are you cheering for Gatorsback?

06:46:19.860 --> 06:46:23.540
Oh yeah, I'd say we can hear them.

06:46:23.540 --> 06:46:24.500
All right, Gators back.

06:46:24.500 --> 06:46:26.420
Is there anything else you want to add on about this team,

06:46:26.420 --> 06:46:29.100
stupid, because this is one that is a very top contender here

06:46:29.100 --> 06:46:29.860
from NA?

06:46:29.860 --> 06:46:31.900
I mean, there's been a lot of talk about Cubsie for years

06:46:31.900 --> 06:46:33.540
at this point on that restoration jury.

06:46:33.540 --> 06:46:35.580
He's going to have to be the carry for the team

06:46:35.580 --> 06:46:38.020
and level up even beyond his previous titles.

06:46:38.020 --> 06:46:40.580
It's a mix of Old Guard with Wizkint Cubsie

06:46:40.580 --> 06:46:43.620
and New Blood with Dazed and Calvish,

06:46:43.620 --> 06:46:45.740
which is just amazing to see new players getting

06:46:45.740 --> 06:46:47.380
incorporated by those Old Guard.

06:46:47.380 --> 06:46:47.900
It is.

06:46:47.900 --> 06:46:49.380
And you know, we can hear from Gators back

06:46:49.380 --> 06:46:52.180
themselves about how they feel because we got to sit down and chat with them a

06:46:52.180 --> 06:46:53.980
little bit before the competition today.

06:46:56.180 --> 06:47:01.860
And I go down to the two versus two, but days somehow hangs on and Gators back

06:47:01.860 --> 06:47:05.480
is looking like they're going to do it, eliminating aft here and winning the

06:47:05.480 --> 06:47:10.420
finals of North America. Gators back are riding a massive wave of success in the

06:47:10.420 --> 06:47:15.540
North American region. Cubsie, dazed, Calvish and Whiskey have been absolutely

06:47:15.540 --> 06:47:20.340
Smashing it and they are hoping to shake things up on the global stage here at BlizzCon.

06:47:20.340 --> 06:47:26.260
He's pushing in, but is it going to pay off Dallas? Oh my gosh, just unhealable damage coming in.

06:47:26.260 --> 06:47:30.980
Now the first question I had for the Gator's back is how did this team come to fruition?

06:47:30.980 --> 06:47:34.500
You know, these are almost mismatched parts coming together as a team.

06:47:34.500 --> 06:47:42.260
The big thing around the formation of our team was a timing thing where multiple other teams

06:47:42.260 --> 06:47:48.980
kind of fell apart. We came together and picked up some of the best pieces of these teams and

06:47:49.780 --> 06:47:51.540
made it into Gator's back.

06:47:52.180 --> 06:47:56.820
Cubsie, what do you think has been the key to the success of this roster in North America?

06:47:56.820 --> 06:48:01.540
Really just our strength as a Rogue Mage for the most part. As a Rogue Mage is such a

06:48:01.540 --> 06:48:07.060
dominant part in the meta, but I wouldn't say there's any secret sauce. It's just a combination

06:48:07.060 --> 06:48:09.480
of good players coming together, mostly.

06:48:09.480 --> 06:48:13.820
Out of all of your opponents, who are you most threatened by and why?

06:48:13.820 --> 06:48:15.700
Say we're not really threatened by anybody.

06:48:15.700 --> 06:48:18.220
I think that we're the best team in the world.

06:48:18.220 --> 06:48:19.220
We're here to prove it.

06:48:19.220 --> 06:48:23.900
I think one advantage that EU has is they get to play Rogue Mage Miners all day long,

06:48:23.900 --> 06:48:24.900
24-7.

06:48:24.900 --> 06:48:29.420
So they lose, it's honestly kind of embarrassing, but I'm not threatened at all.

06:48:29.420 --> 06:48:30.980
Shout out to all the fans for supporting us.

06:48:30.980 --> 06:48:31.980
Shout out to DZD Army.

06:48:31.980 --> 06:48:32.980
DZD Army, that's right.

06:48:32.980 --> 06:48:36.540
We're nothing without the fans, so we appreciate them all.

06:48:36.540 --> 06:48:41.380
likely the kill will be secured as Gatorsback chomp game one.

06:48:41.380 --> 06:48:47.160
A team with a dream to shut out the competition. Gatorsback representing North America are

06:48:47.160 --> 06:48:53.000
looking to close down their jaws on the global stage at BlizzCon.

06:48:53.000 --> 06:48:56.000
You know it's great to hear them actually talk about it because Gatorsback is kind of

06:48:56.000 --> 06:49:01.280
one of the more low key, more quiet, not always kind of as overt teams. So to actually hear

06:49:01.280 --> 06:49:05.440
from them talking about their play, their strat, how they came together, it's great

06:49:05.440 --> 06:49:09.900
to see all of that from them. But I mean Gators back big contenders and Chan, do you

06:49:09.900 --> 06:49:13.520
think there's anything in particular that makes them stand out? Yeah, Cubs is the best

06:49:13.520 --> 06:49:17.640
wrestler in the world and he has been for what the past 10 years by far the best wrestler

06:49:17.640 --> 06:49:22.000
dude. And honestly, I think he's the best North American killer for many, many years

06:49:22.000 --> 06:49:26.200
down as well. Having that as the foundation for your team is so important. And I want

06:49:26.200 --> 06:49:32.920
to add on to that. When we came here, Mara said Calvish is the best mage. Me is better

06:49:32.920 --> 06:49:37.260
than right. That's coming from Mara and I thought you know Mara at some point

06:49:37.260 --> 06:49:41.340
even today. Top tier mage, absolutely top tier mage. To say that about Calvish

06:49:41.340 --> 06:49:45.500
that's crazy. I'm really excited to see how he's going to do. Me too. I mean those

06:49:45.500 --> 06:49:48.980
are big words to love too but honestly I think the team can do it. However they're

06:49:48.980 --> 06:49:52.180
going to be going up against Streamer Zone GG and this is a team that's kind of

06:49:52.180 --> 06:49:55.900
taking a new shape this season right. We have members coming in here some of

06:49:55.900 --> 06:49:59.740
who are familiar like Rahid and Jamie but a lot of kind of untested sort of

06:49:59.740 --> 06:50:02.900
group synergy between them on the team. Supa what do you think we're going to

06:50:02.900 --> 06:50:04.620
to see from streamers on GG.

06:50:04.620 --> 06:50:07.500
I mean, it's likely going to be that rogue, mage, druid setup.

06:50:07.500 --> 06:50:09.340
They do have Jamie as the fourth player.

06:50:09.340 --> 06:50:11.980
And I think most importantly, as a land veteran,

06:50:11.980 --> 06:50:14.380
he has played at those kinds of regional events.

06:50:14.380 --> 06:50:16.740
And so with all of this new blood on his roster,

06:50:16.740 --> 06:50:19.660
with Nexper and Hivian Pimic never going to a live event,

06:50:19.660 --> 06:50:21.700
I think that's where his role will be pivotal.

06:50:21.700 --> 06:50:23.660
If they lose a game, keeping them centered

06:50:23.660 --> 06:50:24.660
and keeping them going.

06:50:24.660 --> 06:50:27.020
So for me, even though he might not be in any of the matches,

06:50:27.020 --> 06:50:28.980
he's going to be very important to the mental game

06:50:28.980 --> 06:50:30.140
for his roster.

06:50:30.140 --> 06:50:31.140
I mean, that's huge, right?

06:50:31.140 --> 06:50:35.180
that's a really big part. Of

06:50:35.180 --> 06:50:37.080
what you're bringing to the

06:50:37.180 --> 06:50:38.980
table at A WC. But streamers

06:50:39.080 --> 06:50:41.080
own G G. Then do you have any

06:50:41.180 --> 06:50:43.120
expectations for them? I think

06:50:43.220 --> 06:50:45.120
this is going to come down to a

06:50:45.220 --> 06:50:47.120
rogue mage mayor, to be honest

06:50:47.220 --> 06:50:48.120
with you, and that is actually

06:50:48.220 --> 06:50:51.120
in. I feel like there's a slight

06:50:51.220 --> 06:50:53.120
advantage there for P. Make

06:50:53.220 --> 06:50:55.120
Bernhidi and next because this

06:50:55.220 --> 06:50:57.120
is a team that's been able to

06:50:57.220 --> 06:50:59.120
practice this composition so

06:50:59.220 --> 06:51:01.120
much against the top of the

06:51:01.140 --> 06:51:03.740
top contenders in Europe, whereas in North America,

06:51:03.740 --> 06:51:06.900
I feel like there's not that same high-level rogue mage

06:51:06.900 --> 06:51:08.500
that unfortunately for Gatorsback,

06:51:08.500 --> 06:51:10.540
they'll be able to practice against over and over.

06:51:10.540 --> 06:51:13.380
So on paper, I feel like P-Making Droom Hitty

06:51:13.380 --> 06:51:16.380
in this rogue mage matchup, if that's what it comes down to,

06:51:16.380 --> 06:51:17.900
is going to have a semi-advantage,

06:51:17.900 --> 06:51:19.500
but I mean, you can never, ever count

06:51:19.500 --> 06:51:21.300
out Cubsie, Days, Calvish, and WizK.

06:51:21.300 --> 06:51:23.940
These are the best players in North America.

06:51:23.940 --> 06:51:26.060
My favorite thing in the world is that whenever anybody says

06:51:26.060 --> 06:51:29.060
rogue mage, Chan smiles bigger than I think

06:51:29.060 --> 06:51:30.380
I ever see you smile.

06:51:30.380 --> 06:51:32.620
You just light up on the desk.

06:51:32.620 --> 06:51:34.220
It's because if you lose the mirror,

06:51:34.220 --> 06:51:35.620
it's because you were the worst team.

06:51:35.620 --> 06:51:36.620
Yeah.

06:51:36.620 --> 06:51:38.340
And with the egos, the crowd here,

06:51:38.340 --> 06:51:41.340
I mean, what better series to win than a mirror?

06:51:41.340 --> 06:51:43.580
But I was laughing because we make you miss this dragon

06:51:43.580 --> 06:51:43.900
spread.

06:51:43.900 --> 06:51:46.180
Hopefully, he doesn't do that in this series.

06:51:46.180 --> 06:51:47.100
Hopefully not.

06:51:47.100 --> 06:51:47.900
And yeah, you're right.

06:51:47.900 --> 06:51:49.700
It really lets you kind of test your skill against one

06:51:49.700 --> 06:51:50.700
another if you have that mirror.

06:51:50.700 --> 06:51:52.620
If you know, hey, we're bringing the same thing.

06:51:52.620 --> 06:51:54.780
So really, our skill gets to determine this.

06:51:54.780 --> 06:51:56.820
But we have to make some predictions now.

06:51:56.820 --> 06:51:58.660
And things are a little contested on the desk.

06:51:58.660 --> 06:52:04.120
Well, I was the only one contesting on the desk last series, but let's see how it unfolds this time around. You know what?

06:52:04.120 --> 06:52:06.120
We'll actually start over your bed. Oh great.

06:52:06.340 --> 06:52:09.300
Haha, yeah, what brought you your predictions for the first series here?

06:52:10.380 --> 06:52:14.960
You know, I had the opportunity to meet days to his family and they were very friendly very nice

06:52:14.960 --> 06:52:20.760
And one of the things that said to me is I like me because I had continuously cheered for their team throughout the entire season

06:52:20.980 --> 06:52:26.160
So I'm gonna continue to go with that one Cubsie days Calvish Wizk, I believe in the dream

06:52:26.160 --> 06:52:30.820
even though I think this can be a tough matchup for them because I don't think they have the same experience in this matchup

06:52:30.820 --> 06:52:35.220
I think they're gonna walk away with a win, but it'll be close three to two. Okay. All right, super

06:52:35.220 --> 06:52:39.900
Where are you leaning? I mean, I think the advantage that they have is that it's a different combination of specs

06:52:39.900 --> 06:52:43.140
It's not the fire mage or it is the fire major should say in the past

06:52:43.140 --> 06:52:49.340
It was the frost mage the outlaw rogue so given that it's assassination and fire that's still reasonably new combination

06:52:49.340 --> 06:52:51.200
We haven't seen that in quite a few years

06:52:51.200 --> 06:52:54.620
I think that gives Gators back a bit of an edge in that matchup

06:52:54.620 --> 06:52:57.100
doesn't play out the same way as a frost major rotating block.

06:52:57.100 --> 06:52:59.620
So I'm leaning into North America as well.

06:52:59.620 --> 06:53:00.820
I'm leaning into the Gators back.

06:53:00.820 --> 06:53:02.620
I think they're going to take it three to two.

06:53:02.620 --> 06:53:03.860
OK, we have two for the Gators.

06:53:03.860 --> 06:53:06.340
But Chan, where are you going?

06:53:06.340 --> 06:53:08.020
You know, my heart says Cubsy.

06:53:08.020 --> 06:53:09.700
I want him to win.

06:53:09.700 --> 06:53:12.340
I want to see him do well.

06:53:12.340 --> 06:53:15.020
I think he's so good on that restoration dude.

06:53:15.020 --> 06:53:16.220
Next is, of course, two.

06:53:16.220 --> 06:53:18.940
But I think Cubsy just two steps above him.

06:53:18.940 --> 06:53:21.700
So I want to say three, one, two, the Gators.

06:53:21.700 --> 06:53:23.300
I think that they're going to win this.

06:53:23.300 --> 06:53:27.200
Okay, well, now you've put me in the exact same situation as the last series.

06:53:27.400 --> 06:53:30.200
But you know what? This time, I think I'm going to go with the crowd.

06:53:30.200 --> 06:53:33.700
I'm going to say, I think Gatorsback, I'm not just biased because NA,

06:53:33.900 --> 06:53:37.100
but really seeing them play, seeing them come up and just seeing

06:53:37.200 --> 06:53:40.400
how subtly they have built themselves into this team, this powerhouse,

06:53:40.400 --> 06:53:42.000
is something that's so impressive.

06:53:42.100 --> 06:53:45.600
And I'm not saying that Streamer's own GG is not going to give them a run for their money.

06:53:45.600 --> 06:53:49.200
They may even take this, but I think my heart is telling me that it's going to be

06:53:50.000 --> 06:53:53.100
three, two, towards Gatorsback.

06:53:53.300 --> 06:53:57.500
That's what I'm feeling, but we need to get these teams on the stage and we need to get this series started.

06:53:57.500 --> 06:54:01.700
So let's welcome them. Everybody raise your voices, Aya. Let's bring the teams on.

06:54:05.500 --> 06:54:06.900
All right, are you guys ready?

06:54:09.500 --> 06:54:16.200
All right, let's get these teams on and get and going in this series. Please welcome Gators back.

06:54:23.300 --> 06:54:31.300
Calvish, WizK, Cubsie, and Deist!

06:54:39.300 --> 06:54:46.300
Alright, let's bring on their opponent, Streamer Zone GG!

06:54:53.300 --> 06:55:00.300
Broon Hitty, Jamie, Hime, and next!

06:55:09.300 --> 06:55:11.300
Alright, Rook, take it away.

06:55:11.300 --> 06:55:16.300
You know it's not easy being the EU team at an NA competition.

06:55:17.300 --> 06:55:19.300
You just, you know, look, you have to imagine.

06:55:19.300 --> 06:55:30.300
You have to imagine from across the ocean all of the EU fans that are cheering here for streamer zone gg and streamer zone have a lot to prove for themselves as well right because they are kind of newer in this formation.

06:55:30.300 --> 06:55:43.300
So then there's a lot of the line for them to kind of define themselves even to those NA viewers here. This is a roster that can upset a lot of people here today because they are a phenomenal team P make a brunhiddi next.

06:55:43.300 --> 06:55:55.800
If we do go down to Rogues, we are like I said, I think they're actually more experienced in this matchup and they're coming up a 3-0 victory earlier today as well, so they're fired up, they're ready to go, and hopefully not too discouraged.

06:55:55.800 --> 06:56:09.800
Hopefully not. Look, you just have to focus up and you have to play the game that's ahead of you, and they're absolutely going to be doing that, but you know Gators back, we have talked about the fact that obviously there's a lot of people rooting for them and they come in in a really strong position.

06:56:09.800 --> 06:56:13.040
So, I mean, if they're going to meet Streamer's on GG, Gator's back,

06:56:13.040 --> 06:56:16.640
is there a situation in which you see them showing a sign of weakness, Supa?

06:56:16.640 --> 06:56:20.640
I mean, if they ever back off of Druid in here, I think maybe we would know that

06:56:20.640 --> 06:56:23.880
there's some weakness there, but I doubt that we will in this series.

06:56:23.880 --> 06:56:26.840
It's just going to come down to setups, it's going to come down to crowd control.

06:56:26.840 --> 06:56:30.600
This is likely going to be a very fast-paced matchup between these teams

06:56:30.600 --> 06:56:31.680
as far as aggression.

06:56:31.680 --> 06:56:33.800
Combustion is such a terrifying cool-down.

06:56:33.800 --> 06:56:35.320
Deathmark is terrifying.

06:56:35.320 --> 06:56:36.720
Kingsbane is terrifying.

06:56:36.720 --> 06:56:38.200
They're constantly cycling back up.

06:56:38.200 --> 06:56:40.040
the Druid cycling you at low health,

06:56:40.040 --> 06:56:41.360
changing you into some locks,

06:56:41.360 --> 06:56:43.760
there's just so much threatening presence

06:56:43.760 --> 06:56:45.120
in a matchup like this.

06:56:45.120 --> 06:56:47.080
I mean, yeah, this is definitely a team

06:56:47.080 --> 06:56:48.880
that has earned that spot up at the top.

06:56:48.880 --> 06:56:51.920
And I know we've kind of gone through here with the team

06:56:51.920 --> 06:56:53.400
and seen a lot with them with Gatorsback,

06:56:53.400 --> 06:56:55.520
but I do have to ask Chan, obviously their picks,

06:56:55.520 --> 06:56:57.280
the way that they play is a really strong contender,

06:56:57.280 --> 06:56:59.400
but what do you think really makes this team

06:56:59.400 --> 06:57:01.600
in and of itself kind of a threat?

06:57:01.600 --> 06:57:04.520
Well, the Gatorsback set themselves the Rogue Mage, right?

06:57:04.520 --> 06:57:07.000
As they relied on that one, Rogue Mage, of course,

06:57:07.000 --> 06:57:09.520
is heavily in the meta at the moment.

06:57:09.520 --> 06:57:11.440
I think they're North America's best,

06:57:11.440 --> 06:57:14.840
but I do think they have a few tricks up their sleeves.

06:57:14.840 --> 06:57:16.160
I was talking to them.

06:57:16.160 --> 06:57:17.840
We'll see if they pull that out.

06:57:17.840 --> 06:57:21.480
I think though, you know, I want to see the Rogue Mage mirror.

06:57:21.480 --> 06:57:24.760
I think they have it in them to beat Streamer's zone.

06:57:24.760 --> 06:57:27.160
I think they have it in them to beat Echo as well.

06:57:27.160 --> 06:57:28.960
And I'd love to see the mirror prove, you know,

06:57:28.960 --> 06:57:32.600
that you are the best in the world by winning as Rogue Mage.

06:57:32.600 --> 06:57:33.440
Okay, all right.

06:57:33.440 --> 06:57:35.160
I mean, Streamer's zone GG with this configuration

06:57:35.160 --> 06:57:36.680
that we saw, if they're going to meet this,

06:57:36.680 --> 06:57:39.600
as intense powerhouse and the rogue mage kind of combo.

06:57:39.600 --> 06:57:41.160
I mean, then you got to see them play

06:57:41.160 --> 06:57:42.600
over the course of season one.

06:57:42.600 --> 06:57:45.560
What potential did you see in Streamer's own GG as a team?

06:57:45.560 --> 06:57:49.280
I think just P-Make, Brunhidi and Nex, as well as Jamie.

06:57:49.280 --> 06:57:50.880
They're all just phenomenal players.

06:57:50.880 --> 06:57:53.480
I mean, Brunhidi, we ran a solo shuffle tournament.

06:57:53.480 --> 06:57:56.160
He was actually the champion in Europe for DPS.

06:57:56.160 --> 06:57:58.080
So an absolutely incredible player

06:57:58.080 --> 06:58:01.560
who's had a very successful A to B season in the past.

06:58:01.560 --> 06:58:05.120
P-Make, a very young mage from Finland.

06:58:05.120 --> 06:58:10.320
incredible player and he just been grinding so hard, not only on the North American ladder,

06:58:10.320 --> 06:58:14.720
also the European ladder, he's just been so consistent, so hungry to really prove himself.

06:58:14.720 --> 06:58:19.360
So I think that's their big advantage here is they're looking to prove everybody wrong,

06:58:19.360 --> 06:58:23.760
show everyone that they really can't do it. That's what you want to do, especially at BlizzCon,

06:58:23.760 --> 06:58:28.400
when you are on this global stage and you're live with everyone here in the audience. I mean,

06:58:28.400 --> 06:58:32.000
this stage is something that so many of these teams have dreamt of or worked towards and being

06:58:32.000 --> 06:58:36.880
able to compete, I think is a really huge thing for them, Sufa. It's not just about the $300,000.

06:58:36.880 --> 06:58:41.920
Yeah, I mean, WizK came as close as a player can come against Cedar back in 2018, I believe it was.

06:58:42.960 --> 06:58:46.960
Just one game away when he was on the move. It was just one game away from Winnie, and now he's

06:58:46.960 --> 06:58:52.080
found a new roster here with Peters back, and he's had massive success in North America,

06:58:52.080 --> 06:58:56.080
and they look phenomenal. It's just a well-rounded roster. If Shadow Priest ever is in the meta,

06:58:56.080 --> 06:59:01.200
I'm sure that WizK will be ready and waiting and eager to jump onto that train. But at the moment,

06:59:01.200 --> 06:59:05.840
he's likely going to have to rely on his teammates here with that rogue mage and restoration spirit.

06:59:05.840 --> 06:59:08.880
I mean, it's always tough when there's one that you really love to play,

06:59:08.880 --> 06:59:13.360
but it just never seems to have its moment to shine, especially in the competitive kind of scene.

06:59:13.360 --> 06:59:18.800
And I mean, Chan, being live here with everyone, obviously it is about that old scores too,

06:59:18.800 --> 06:59:22.880
but the energy of the audience. When you're playing live, do you think that it makes those

06:59:22.880 --> 06:59:26.000
wins and losses feel all the more intense as a competitor?

06:59:26.000 --> 06:59:29.120
Oh, of course, it's the best feeling in the world and the worst feeling in the world,

06:59:29.120 --> 06:59:30.920
when you have all the eyes on you.

06:59:30.920 --> 06:59:33.240
And for a lot of these players, it's their first time,

06:59:33.240 --> 06:59:35.600
their first BlizzCon, of course.

06:59:35.600 --> 06:59:37.600
Will the pressure get to them? I don't know, we'll have to see.

06:59:37.600 --> 06:59:39.640
But it's so exciting, man.

06:59:39.640 --> 06:59:41.800
And for those guys, it's a dream come true.

06:59:42.880 --> 06:59:44.800
Yeah, I mean, it's pressure.

06:59:44.800 --> 06:59:47.040
But like you said, I think that amp up emotion,

06:59:47.040 --> 06:59:49.800
even just hearing people here talk about the competitions today,

06:59:49.800 --> 06:59:51.680
I've had people come up to me and say,

06:59:51.680 --> 06:59:53.840
you know what, like I've watched it or maybe I tuned in,

06:59:53.840 --> 06:59:56.520
but it's so different being in person,

06:59:56.520 --> 06:59:58.000
the energy of the crowd,

06:59:58.000 --> 07:00:01.160
or even people who had never watched AWC who are saying,

07:00:01.160 --> 07:00:04.240
I think I'm going to watch now because I came in and I was just like,

07:00:04.240 --> 07:00:07.800
oh, this is actually the coolest and being able to feel that emotion with

07:00:07.800 --> 07:00:13.320
everybody live at BlizzCon is just such an incredible way for the community to come together.

07:00:13.320 --> 07:00:18.440
So, BlizzCon, say hello to everyone around the world and the community even that couldn't be here today.

07:00:18.440 --> 07:00:22.400
There we go.

07:00:22.400 --> 07:00:26.280
It's one big community but also sometimes in communities you have

07:00:26.280 --> 07:00:29.680
these competitions that kind of make us butt head to head

07:00:29.680 --> 07:00:31.620
in these two teams that we have taking the stage now.

07:00:31.620 --> 07:00:34.520
Streamers are on GG and Gators back, no doubt,

07:00:34.520 --> 07:00:36.160
are ready to get going.

07:00:36.160 --> 07:00:38.160
But we are waiting as we start out a few things here

07:00:38.160 --> 07:00:39.000
on the stage.

07:00:39.000 --> 07:00:42.100
So, Supa, we did our predictions.

07:00:42.100 --> 07:00:44.000
But is there a world in which you see this going

07:00:44.000 --> 07:00:45.000
the opposite way?

07:00:45.000 --> 07:00:46.200
Do you think that there's a condition

07:00:46.200 --> 07:00:48.800
where your prediction could get turned on its head?

07:00:48.800 --> 07:00:51.040
You're asking the guy who's prediction win-raised very low.

07:00:51.040 --> 07:00:54.120
So, yes, it could go the other way very easily.

07:00:54.120 --> 07:00:57.560
I'm not proud of that win rate, but it is what it is.

07:00:57.560 --> 07:01:00.480
I mean, OK, but look, I think, honestly, if you take it,

07:01:00.480 --> 07:01:02.480
it's going to feel all the better even because then you're

07:01:02.480 --> 07:01:04.040
like, hey, I believed.

07:01:04.040 --> 07:01:04.720
I believed.

07:01:04.720 --> 07:01:05.880
I believe in North America.

07:01:05.880 --> 07:01:08.280
They're the last bastion of hope for the region.

07:01:08.280 --> 07:01:10.280
The first time that they're going to be playing on stage

07:01:10.280 --> 07:01:11.840
for some of their players as well.

07:01:11.840 --> 07:01:13.280
It's very exciting to see that.

07:01:13.280 --> 07:01:15.400
All the fans that they have as well backing them up

07:01:15.400 --> 07:01:16.280
in this position.

07:01:16.280 --> 07:01:17.400
Will they be able to pull it off?

07:01:17.400 --> 07:01:20.160
We saw a North American win over in MDI as well.

07:01:20.160 --> 07:01:21.120
The team liquid winning it.

07:01:21.120 --> 07:01:24.200
So maybe Lux on our side here for this region.

07:01:24.200 --> 07:01:28.320
So double NA, that would be amazing.

07:01:28.320 --> 07:01:30.520
But we'll have to see how it all shakes out.

07:01:30.520 --> 07:01:32.040
As we look over the bracket again,

07:01:32.040 --> 07:01:34.320
now of course we have Echo waiting at the end.

07:01:34.320 --> 07:01:37.320
And that has to loom over these teams then.

07:01:37.320 --> 07:01:38.200
Yeah, definitely.

07:01:38.200 --> 07:01:40.920
One thing I wanted to point out as well for like Guild Beam,

07:01:40.920 --> 07:01:42.600
for example, when we saw that last year,

07:01:42.600 --> 07:01:44.640
is I think everyone had an idea in their mind

07:01:44.640 --> 07:01:45.640
of what they were going to run.

07:01:45.640 --> 07:01:48.840
And they surprised me heavily by bringing in Maro on the Hunter.

07:01:48.840 --> 07:01:52.160
So for this next series, Gators back versus streamer zones,

07:01:52.160 --> 07:01:55.480
obviously both of them waiting to see who's going to win against Ekko.

07:01:55.480 --> 07:01:57.720
Ekko's going to be watching this next series very closely,

07:01:57.720 --> 07:01:59.560
but they might not go with the rogue mage.

07:01:59.560 --> 07:02:03.480
You know, they might have some surprises up their sleeve for BlizzCon finals like this.

07:02:03.480 --> 07:02:07.960
This is the time to bring out those secrets, you know, try to pick up an early win.

07:02:07.960 --> 07:02:09.840
And if you can catch your opponents off guard,

07:02:09.840 --> 07:02:12.840
you can quickly get an advantage in the best of five series.

07:02:12.840 --> 07:02:14.560
I mean, it's true, we literally just saw it, right?

07:02:14.560 --> 07:02:17.080
If you're bringing out some picks, like we witnessed in the last series,

07:02:17.080 --> 07:02:21.400
that maybe haven't been debuted or you haven't shown them off in competition before, it's

07:02:21.400 --> 07:02:25.360
definitely something that can be an unpredictable element for the opposing team.

07:02:25.360 --> 07:02:28.000
And I mean, with these two is they kind of are playing through.

07:02:28.000 --> 07:02:32.800
Super, do you think that you just have to focus on kind of your path to victory?

07:02:32.800 --> 07:02:36.160
Or do you think you have to have it in your mind, this bigger strategy of, okay, well,

07:02:36.160 --> 07:02:39.360
if we're going to face Echo, do we hide some things here?

07:02:39.360 --> 07:02:40.800
Do we go all out?

07:02:40.800 --> 07:02:44.280
Do we just, you know, hope that we make it to the end if we can keep some things in

07:02:44.280 --> 07:02:45.280
our back pocket?

07:02:45.280 --> 07:02:48.600
I mean, guilt being surprising, I didn't think there were many things that you could hide,

07:02:48.600 --> 07:02:52.640
and the Markets and Schupunder was one of them, but what these teams have practiced up to this point, right?

07:02:52.640 --> 07:02:58.360
The entire season of play has been mostly allocated to Roche Minge, so they're complete masters of it.

07:02:58.360 --> 07:03:02.920
So for them to back out of that to something else, it would have to be noticeably more powerful.

07:03:02.920 --> 07:03:09.760
I don't think I see that for any of the roster's remaining in the tournament, so I think the likely very limited surprise,

07:03:09.760 --> 07:03:14.560
if any, as far as composition strategy is concerned, as far as gameplay though,

07:03:14.560 --> 07:03:16.440
I think there is potential variety.

07:03:16.440 --> 07:03:18.800
I think that there are multiple fair targets

07:03:18.800 --> 07:03:21.280
and that's where you can create surprise.

07:03:21.280 --> 07:03:22.800
Yeah, I mean, adding on to that,

07:03:22.800 --> 07:03:24.760
I think they mentioned this earlier,

07:03:24.760 --> 07:03:26.640
but Streamerzone, they have so much

07:03:26.640 --> 07:03:28.040
Rogue mage mirror practice.

07:03:28.040 --> 07:03:30.040
You get to practice against Echo, right?

07:03:30.040 --> 07:03:31.160
Yeah.

07:03:31.160 --> 07:03:32.380
Gator's back.

07:03:32.380 --> 07:03:34.660
One thing that they're really nervous about is

07:03:34.660 --> 07:03:36.680
who do you practice against in NA?

07:03:36.680 --> 07:03:38.920
FTA doesn't play Rogue mage.

07:03:38.920 --> 07:03:40.640
The ladder is not, you know,

07:03:40.640 --> 07:03:42.360
no one from ladders in AFC anymore.

07:03:42.360 --> 07:03:43.560
It's not the same.

07:03:43.560 --> 07:03:45.520
where streamers aren't that well oiled,

07:03:45.520 --> 07:03:47.200
very well practiced.

07:03:47.200 --> 07:03:50.000
The question is, can the Gators adapt in time

07:03:50.000 --> 07:03:52.560
and learn the match up in real time during this series?

07:03:52.560 --> 07:03:54.680
Because I think that's what's going to decide everything.

07:03:54.680 --> 07:03:56.160
I mean, that's huge, right?

07:03:56.160 --> 07:03:57.400
Who you can practice against

07:03:57.400 --> 07:03:58.600
and what kind of experience you have.

07:03:58.600 --> 07:04:00.760
I mean, especially with the fact that in PVP,

07:04:00.760 --> 07:04:02.440
I think it's very important.

07:04:02.440 --> 07:04:04.400
It's hard to play cross region

07:04:04.400 --> 07:04:05.920
or to compete at that level

07:04:05.920 --> 07:04:08.480
where even a moment of delay literally means

07:04:08.480 --> 07:04:09.920
that you've lost something

07:04:09.920 --> 07:04:11.280
that otherwise you could have won.

07:04:11.280 --> 07:04:16.360
I mean, then it's a different experience for them here being able to come across and face each other directly live

07:04:16.720 --> 07:04:20.160
Yeah, we had a quote from one loon travel earlier today

07:04:20.160 --> 07:04:26.280
But they were saying each region has their own idea of how you know, the game should be played how matchup should be played

07:04:26.280 --> 07:04:29.000
And that's a great thing about blizzcon as you bring the regions together

07:04:29.000 --> 07:04:34.320
And you get to see who has the best idea for you know these matchups and maybe you know

07:04:34.400 --> 07:04:37.540
Team's not being able to practice against a team like gators back

07:04:37.540 --> 07:04:44.300
They have a strategy in mind that will just completely change everything. We'll have to wait and see if that does happen

07:04:44.300 --> 07:04:49.180
But if there is a team in North America that would be able to pull that off and basically make a strategy from nothing

07:04:49.180 --> 07:04:53.660
It would be gators back just because of how good these guys are. I mean we'd love to see that

07:04:53.660 --> 07:04:55.640
It would be a very exciting moment as well

07:04:55.640 --> 07:05:02.900
And the teams are amping up to get into this series now of course between them both this and a kind of element right the

07:05:02.900 --> 07:05:06.740
mingling or the different regions. Do you think, Supa, that there's much of a

07:05:06.740 --> 07:05:11.380
difference in how NA or EU approaches arena? I would say that there's a

07:05:11.380 --> 07:05:14.420
distinct difference between Chateau priests in North America mostly because

07:05:14.420 --> 07:05:18.780
this case exists and then elemental shaman in Europe because of Z-Pie and other

07:05:18.780 --> 07:05:22.260
phenomenal shaman like Jamie as well. I would say that's been one main

07:05:22.260 --> 07:05:26.540
distinction is like a shaman or priest but right now the meta not really

07:05:26.540 --> 07:05:30.380
pivoting in too much in favor of those specializations so it has pivoted more

07:05:30.380 --> 07:05:35.900
towards Brokemage and I would say North America typically is behind as far as that, as far as

07:05:35.900 --> 07:05:39.980
mirrors because there's just not a lot of them available in the region whereas Europe is just

07:05:39.980 --> 07:05:43.900
completely dialed in on that they probably have like four or five that play the top tier,

07:05:43.900 --> 07:05:48.140
S tier level of that composition so those are the main distinctions.

07:05:48.140 --> 07:05:53.340
So with that in mind then Jen, as an NA team how do you kind of prepare to stand up against

07:05:53.340 --> 07:05:57.820
everything that Europe has to offer? I feel like historically and it's not always been true right

07:05:57.820 --> 07:06:06.100
But the European teams typically are a lot more scripted a lot more controlled and dampen up than the North American down the parts and a teams a

07:06:06.740 --> 07:06:09.760
Lot more messy, but a lot more aggressive at the same time

07:06:09.760 --> 07:06:13.820
Right and that's something that can really surprise the European teams because they're not used to that

07:06:13.820 --> 07:06:17.660
They're not used to this crappy kind of play style that you might see coming out of NA

07:06:17.900 --> 07:06:19.900
I mean, I think how wish of course

07:06:20.180 --> 07:06:25.160
He's a new upcoming players. He's very young. He's on the mage

07:06:25.160 --> 07:06:28.180
He's impressed us so much Mario gave him so much praise

07:06:28.560 --> 07:06:31.680
Mage is one of those classes that can make so many outplays, right?

07:06:31.680 --> 07:06:35.440
And when you put someone with that kind of talent on mage, it's beautiful

07:06:35.440 --> 07:06:40.360
But at the same key can be said over on streamers side as well. He Mac is a European version of him. I

07:06:41.720 --> 07:06:44.520
Actually love that you have that kind of we might have the mirror literally

07:06:44.520 --> 07:06:47.560
But you also kind of have this mirror with the players too on either side

07:06:47.560 --> 07:06:49.440
And I think both teams with those players

07:06:49.440 --> 07:06:56.000
especially the newer ones to the scene, are really out to kind of prove themselves here at a big event like BlizzCon.

07:06:56.000 --> 07:07:00.680
I mean, it's not easy when you're kind of crossing these regions to decide how you're going to strategize,

07:07:00.680 --> 07:07:04.280
but in your opinion, Ben, which do you kind of lean towards?

07:07:04.280 --> 07:07:10.360
Do you think Dambaning does have the advantage or do you think a more aggressive play style is something that can really shake that up?

07:07:10.360 --> 07:07:14.400
I think it's really match-up based, but I do agree with Chan.

07:07:14.400 --> 07:07:18.720
Like, typically the North American teams are a lot more zug-zug, like they're going to push it in,

07:07:18.720 --> 07:07:23.400
They're gonna be swapping targets all the time. Maybe their crowd control is not going to be as perfect as clinical

07:07:23.520 --> 07:07:29.540
But if they can cause a lot of chaos in the match, then they can easily get those wins if the script is kind of

07:07:30.120 --> 07:07:35.280
Thrown on its head so to speak. I think one interesting thing about Gators back as well as Calvish

07:07:35.280 --> 07:07:37.880
You know, he's likely gonna be playing the mage in this match up

07:07:37.880 --> 07:07:40.640
But I know him as a rope like whatever I think of Calvish

07:07:40.640 --> 07:07:41.640
I still think I was like, okay

07:07:41.640 --> 07:07:44.880
This is like one of the best ropes that has existed in the modern era

07:07:44.880 --> 07:07:51.200
So, as well, Cubsy, the healer has won multiple championships as a mage, so it's like everybody

07:07:51.200 --> 07:07:54.600
kind of knows the roles of each other, and I think that's one of the things that makes

07:07:54.600 --> 07:07:58.960
this team so threatening, is everyone understands what they need to do to win in a matchup like

07:07:58.960 --> 07:07:59.960
this.

07:07:59.960 --> 07:08:02.840
Alright, the wait is over!

07:08:02.840 --> 07:08:04.760
We are ready to step in for the first map.

07:08:04.760 --> 07:08:07.720
This is going to be Gatorsback vs Streamer Zone GG.

07:08:07.720 --> 07:08:10.760
You've heard from us all of this setup about these two teams.

07:08:10.760 --> 07:08:13.040
They are both out to prove a lot.

07:08:13.040 --> 07:08:16.940
And although USA is resounding through the BlizzCon Hall,

07:08:16.940 --> 07:08:20.960
EU has championed and been a major, major contender

07:08:20.960 --> 07:08:23.560
in the arena space for so long for a reason.

07:08:23.560 --> 07:08:25.620
Will Gatorsback take it or Streamer Zone GG?

07:08:25.620 --> 07:08:28.060
I honestly think either of these teams could show up

07:08:28.060 --> 07:08:31.340
and move on to face Echo in the grand finals,

07:08:31.340 --> 07:08:34.380
but here and now they're gonna have to start that journey

07:08:34.380 --> 07:08:36.980
as we see them come in here and face one another.

07:08:36.980 --> 07:08:39.280
Gatorsback versus Streamer Zone GG.

07:08:39.280 --> 07:08:42.260
Everybody make some noise for the first map of the series.

07:08:42.260 --> 07:08:43.740
Super, what's off it to you?

07:08:43.740 --> 07:08:47.580
It's been seven years since North America,

07:08:47.580 --> 07:08:49.860
and you're up, we're able to go head-to-head,

07:08:49.860 --> 07:08:51.820
head-to-head, and it's gone in this capacity.

07:08:51.820 --> 07:08:53.820
The games are open, and they are already

07:08:53.820 --> 07:08:56.700
blasting each other as we go to shut each other down.

07:08:56.700 --> 07:08:58.740
Bays is the initial target for being

07:08:58.740 --> 07:09:00.940
making the idiotic ones combustion.

07:09:00.940 --> 07:09:03.420
The confidence will prove, comes in the backline,

07:09:03.420 --> 07:09:05.620
in that tree of life, spamming with innervator,

07:09:05.620 --> 07:09:07.420
and generating his mana as well.

07:09:07.420 --> 07:09:09.780
Now Calvish is firing his combustion,

07:09:09.780 --> 07:09:11.660
but both rest of Druids are in great positions

07:09:11.660 --> 07:09:14.280
to just totally negate that initial exchange.

07:09:14.280 --> 07:09:16.560
Yeah, Polterud is doing a great job handling

07:09:16.560 --> 07:09:17.600
that initial aggression.

07:09:17.600 --> 07:09:19.560
If line goes out on the next into a cheat shot,

07:09:19.560 --> 07:09:21.160
looks like he's going to sit at great pressure here

07:09:21.160 --> 07:09:22.600
for Gator's back.

07:09:22.600 --> 07:09:23.920
This could be a collar on his end.

07:09:23.920 --> 07:09:25.000
Ice block it is.

07:09:25.000 --> 07:09:27.120
A great push by Gator's back.

07:09:27.120 --> 07:09:28.720
All pressure back on Dazed.

07:09:28.720 --> 07:09:29.560
They connect the death mark.

07:09:29.560 --> 07:09:31.480
It's a completely different strategy.

07:09:31.480 --> 07:09:33.680
P-Mage and Brunhidi are focusing Dazed.

07:09:33.680 --> 07:09:35.800
Whereas Dazed and Calvish are focusing P-Mage.

07:09:35.800 --> 07:09:37.520
And P-Mage is falling behind.

07:09:37.520 --> 07:09:40.520
Dazed uses evasion to stay aggressive and stay on target.

07:09:40.520 --> 07:09:43.820
They know that they might be able to topple them here with a smoke bomb potentially.

07:09:43.820 --> 07:09:45.020
The Calvary's on the back foot.

07:09:45.020 --> 07:09:46.520
Your Nidhi's trying to put his team back in the game.

07:09:46.520 --> 07:09:51.020
Big Pyroblast connects in the Calvary, but Cubsie is ready and waiting to recover from that.

07:09:51.020 --> 07:09:53.520
Tranquility behind the pillar from next here.

07:09:53.520 --> 07:10:01.920
That glowing icon, he's healing Bernini through the smoke bomb, which was a checkmate position next to an amazing heads-up place right there to navigate that tough situation.

07:10:01.920 --> 07:10:04.720
And after he's been cycling like Cubsie, Cubsie's moving towards next.

07:10:04.720 --> 07:10:07.820
Next, next, actually, he's chasing him down at the moment, but he's not by an end cap.

07:10:07.820 --> 07:10:09.820
More and more, and he's in trouble.

07:10:09.820 --> 07:10:11.820
It's taking control of this game.

07:10:11.820 --> 07:10:13.820
They get the dragon press.

07:10:13.820 --> 07:10:15.820
Still in trouble!

07:10:15.820 --> 07:10:17.820
Look at this damage from North America!

07:10:17.820 --> 07:10:19.820
Gator's back!

07:10:19.820 --> 07:10:21.820
Taken so quickly!

07:10:21.820 --> 07:10:23.820
What a game by Gator's back.

07:10:23.820 --> 07:10:25.820
Beautifully done.

07:10:25.820 --> 07:10:28.820
The control comes in and they get the game one win.

07:10:28.820 --> 07:10:31.820
You know, I'm not surprised that they named themselves after Gator

07:10:31.820 --> 07:10:35.820
just popping out of the water in this sudden intense strike.

07:10:35.820 --> 07:10:41.320
I mean brutal to witness but so good for them as they take this first map now Gators back

07:10:41.320 --> 07:10:44.360
They went straight for P make and they would not let him go

07:10:44.360 --> 07:10:49.900
I mean then why do you think that focus why that choice was that really what they wanted to hone in on right off the bat?

07:10:50.060 --> 07:10:54.620
It's interesting because I feel like in this matchup you can go after any of the targets

07:10:54.620 --> 07:10:57.060
I was anticipating going after the rogue a lot more

07:10:57.060 --> 07:11:02.860
But I don't know maybe this is one of those things where Gators back is switching up the style going after the mage instead of the

07:11:02.860 --> 07:11:08.360
and maybe that perhaps caught P-Make, Brunhidi, and next off guard in this matchup, so we'll have to see if you want to break it down.

07:11:08.360 --> 07:11:09.360
Yeah, break it down, champ.

07:11:09.360 --> 07:11:11.660
Yeah, I mean, this first setup was absolutely beautiful.

07:11:11.660 --> 07:11:16.460
You get P-Makes and Porter Ryze right in the opener, and the reason for that is because next, I think, actually,

07:11:16.460 --> 07:11:22.260
Iron Buck Brunhidi instantly on the combustion from Calvish, and what the Gators did with that is instantly some onto P-Make,

07:11:22.260 --> 07:11:26.460
they pressured him through with the rest of the combustion, got the CC onto next, and then later on here,

07:11:26.460 --> 07:11:29.740
Cubsy in cap draw into a sudden to next gets his drink it

07:11:29.740 --> 07:11:34.700
Db on the shrink it and they just push through through follow up CC next is too far behind you may can't survive

07:11:34.700 --> 07:11:41.580
This game was pure domination gators back Cubsy went in Calvish went in everyone collapsed onto next and just made it unplayable for him

07:11:41.580 --> 07:11:45.300
You can see how uncomfortable they were. It was completely off-script. It was too aggressive for them

07:11:45.300 --> 07:11:46.820
And they just broke apart and absolutely crumbled

07:11:46.820 --> 07:11:53.260
I mean that was some of that interesting difference between that EU and a right and a if they leap straight in and they play with this aggression

07:11:53.260 --> 07:11:57.340
It can immediately kind of throw them off and they're not sure how to rally super.

07:11:57.340 --> 07:11:59.580
I mean, it was a fast one here at the start.

07:11:59.580 --> 07:12:02.460
But what do you think this kind of indicates as we head through the rest of the series?

07:12:02.460 --> 07:12:06.860
I just love that Gators back, their personalities are just total chill buyers.

07:12:06.860 --> 07:12:10.540
They're just here to hang out, but the gameplay is cutthroat.

07:12:10.540 --> 07:12:10.780
Yeah.

07:12:10.780 --> 07:12:13.980
Do not want to be on the other side of them in game.

07:12:13.980 --> 07:12:17.900
And that emphasis of personalities is quite crazy from their roster.

07:12:17.900 --> 07:12:20.060
I did not expect them to topple Streamerzone.

07:12:20.060 --> 07:12:26.420
So easily streamer zone has taken tournaments off of echo if they've won cups to get to this stage and to be just

07:12:26.780 --> 07:12:31.820
Destroyed that fast in game number one streamer zone. They're taking it to a large map

07:12:31.820 --> 07:12:38.740
They want to try and cool things off and I would say the European region broke me for a few years now has been mostly defense oriented

07:12:38.740 --> 07:12:41.260
It's been mostly stay alive do damage

07:12:41.260 --> 07:12:47.860
But this fire assassination version is much more aggressive and will they be able to adapt to that playstyle distinction?

07:12:47.860 --> 07:12:52.380
I think that's going to be crucial for them. And then we have our picks obviously coming in. What are you seeing with the draft?

07:12:52.620 --> 07:12:58.020
Well going to a large map of Tover on Arena and it will once again be a rogue mage druid mirror

07:12:58.020 --> 07:13:03.340
So both teams feeling very confident in this matchup, but I will say I do agree with channel gators back

07:13:03.340 --> 07:13:05.740
They looked very dominant in that game number one

07:13:05.740 --> 07:13:10.860
They were pushing the pace from start to finish and they got a win and what a little under two minutes in that

07:13:11.340 --> 07:13:12.660
Minute and thirty seconds

07:13:12.660 --> 07:13:20.020
So I do anticipate that these games will be quick just based off the nature and the volatility of the assassination rogue and the firemage,

07:13:20.020 --> 07:13:26.820
especially when you have both Druids pushing in, assisting with crowd control and really helping their DPS find those win conditions.

07:13:26.820 --> 07:13:28.900
Yeah, and I mean, now this is the best of five, right?

07:13:28.900 --> 07:13:35.140
So if you come in really strong like this at the start, as we've just seen, I think it does obviously give the other team a moment to adapt.

07:13:35.140 --> 07:13:40.740
I'm sure they already expected there'd be some aggression in this play, but to experience it here in this moment,

07:13:40.740 --> 07:13:44.180
probably immediately makes you kind of rethink some things about stratton what

07:13:44.180 --> 07:13:47.020
you're going to bring to the table so with that in mind I mean super do you

07:13:47.020 --> 07:13:50.340
think they're going to be more prepared from this assault that we just saw it

07:13:50.340 --> 07:13:52.980
really depends you know their war games with European teams might have been

07:13:52.980 --> 07:13:57.340
robes the best target and America's just like yeah we're just gonna go mage and

07:13:57.340 --> 07:14:00.300
they didn't expect it they were anticipating it he saw the iron bark

07:14:00.300 --> 07:14:03.740
like Chan pointed out they really thought Robes can be the focus point and they

07:14:03.740 --> 07:14:06.620
just said no we're not going that way and that was the type of surprise that I

07:14:06.620 --> 07:14:11.420
is talking about as far as strategy and targeting is really well done here.

07:14:11.420 --> 07:14:13.940
Very, very well done and well strategized, right?

07:14:13.940 --> 07:14:16.620
As you look at that, you kind of think maybe this is a choice that could still be

07:14:16.620 --> 07:14:18.980
effective for us, but that would throw them off.

07:14:18.980 --> 07:14:21.060
That's something that you can absolutely choose, Chan.

07:14:21.060 --> 07:14:25.100
Yeah, I mean, I don't know about this 12-round arena pick.

07:14:25.100 --> 07:14:28.900
I think this is a signal of like, what I've been said, want some time,

07:14:28.900 --> 07:14:31.020
a bigger map to just catch your breath, right?

07:14:31.020 --> 07:14:34.740
But if you're picking this in a mirror because you want to slow the game down,

07:14:34.740 --> 07:14:38.040
That is not, in my opinion, a voter confidence at all, right?

07:14:38.040 --> 07:14:39.840
Gator's Back knows that as well.

07:14:39.840 --> 07:14:42.720
And if they take their pillar and collapse onto the pillar

07:14:42.720 --> 07:14:44.680
that Nex is playing on, the same exact thing

07:14:44.680 --> 07:14:45.200
could happen again.

07:14:45.200 --> 07:14:48.440
Friends, it will be a little bit more difficult

07:14:48.440 --> 07:14:50.640
because the pillar on Tolveron is so big,

07:14:50.640 --> 07:14:51.960
the game's opening, take it away.

07:14:51.960 --> 07:14:52.600
All right, we're coming in.

07:14:52.600 --> 07:14:54.080
Gator's Back versus Streamer's on GG.

07:14:54.080 --> 07:14:55.760
This is the second game of the series.

07:14:55.760 --> 07:14:56.800
They want to get a point on the board.

07:14:56.800 --> 07:14:57.520
Will they do it?

07:14:57.520 --> 07:14:58.400
It's Ben.

07:14:58.400 --> 07:15:00.520
Cup to just Star Surge is right away there.

07:15:00.520 --> 07:15:01.760
All right, sorry, Nex to Star Surge,

07:15:01.760 --> 07:15:03.880
he throws a global on the mage, getting combat,

07:15:03.880 --> 07:15:05.600
Generating the little kind of backspots.

07:15:05.600 --> 07:15:06.960
Dragon's breath has been engaged.

07:15:06.960 --> 07:15:07.900
There's the cheap shot through.

07:15:07.900 --> 07:15:08.900
Pity looks like a target.

07:15:08.900 --> 07:15:10.900
Eventually no, they're back on P-Make.

07:15:10.900 --> 07:15:12.640
He's able to jump into Invis and P-Makes

07:15:12.640 --> 07:15:13.960
play a bit more defensive here.

07:15:13.960 --> 07:15:15.880
Now, they're actually leaving the pillar aggressively.

07:15:15.880 --> 07:15:18.440
Cubsie gets intercepted by the rake stun.

07:15:18.440 --> 07:15:19.800
Dragon's breath engagement.

07:15:19.800 --> 07:15:21.520
Next, choosing to use the medallion.

07:15:21.520 --> 07:15:23.160
Cubsie pre-bear forms.

07:15:23.160 --> 07:15:24.000
They're on the blind.

07:15:24.000 --> 07:15:25.000
So he's not going to be a target.

07:15:25.000 --> 07:15:25.880
He can't be polymorphed.

07:15:25.880 --> 07:15:27.280
That was really excellent from Cubsie.

07:15:27.280 --> 07:15:28.200
The in-cap flow instead.

07:15:28.200 --> 07:15:28.720
They can load him.

07:15:28.720 --> 07:15:30.280
Dazed, he's taking tremendous pressure.

07:15:30.280 --> 07:15:32.360
In game number two, he drinks up the evasion.

07:15:32.360 --> 07:15:35.000
and he recovers, and quite still, there's a clear distinction.

07:15:35.000 --> 07:15:38.960
P-MIC is struggling, whereas Dazed is just trading totally effectively.

07:15:39.320 --> 07:15:40.920
Yeah, I mean, it's very interesting.

07:15:40.920 --> 07:15:43.520
Strategy is coming in for both these teams approaching the matchup differently.

07:15:43.520 --> 07:15:46.120
Brute hitting though, getting down to half, and the gator is back,

07:15:46.120 --> 07:15:47.240
really looking to strike back here.

07:15:47.240 --> 07:15:48.280
Can't they take him down?

07:15:48.280 --> 07:15:49.200
Ground control on next.

07:15:49.200 --> 07:15:50.280
He's got no trinket.

07:15:50.280 --> 07:15:52.760
But he's still having to poke the shadows.

07:15:52.760 --> 07:15:56.240
Talos low on health at the same time, and Streamerzone is looking to strike back.

07:15:56.240 --> 07:15:57.920
Right, Dazed. Let's see what you can do here.

07:15:57.920 --> 07:15:59.160
He's gotten a kidney shot.

07:15:59.160 --> 07:16:02.320
He's ready. He gets cyclone by next, but he got Iron Bark up right before.

07:16:02.320 --> 07:16:04.820
We need to switch to Calvish. B make us fall in behind.

07:16:04.820 --> 07:16:07.620
It's so much damage, but P make is actually doing a lot as well.

07:16:07.620 --> 07:16:11.920
As Calvish gets low for a moment, and back into the corner, trying to find Frost Nova on the road,

07:16:11.920 --> 07:16:14.720
but that's instantly dispelled, and we can see for Hiddie making his way over.

07:16:14.720 --> 07:16:18.220
Caught the dragon's red kidney shot, no drink, big damage, cups he had there.

07:16:18.220 --> 07:16:22.420
It's game number two, and will he fall? He is so low on health right now.

07:16:22.420 --> 07:16:25.720
Desperation is knocking, and he manages to stay alive.

07:16:25.720 --> 07:16:30.720
I can't believe it. The defensive smoke bomb denied Calvish from finishing him at that moment.

07:16:30.720 --> 07:16:34.000
I thought the game was over. What a beautiful setup there by Gator's back.

07:16:34.000 --> 07:16:37.680
But Brunhidding into fight and stays alive and at the same time, he makes it in danger.

07:16:37.680 --> 07:16:41.920
Here comes the combustion. As the Europeans are looking to strike back here, on dazed.

07:16:41.920 --> 07:16:45.440
Onto a cyclone, nice cyclone there by. Max is going to freeze his health

07:16:45.440 --> 07:16:48.000
and not allow Gator's back to get a counter setup.

07:16:48.000 --> 07:16:51.520
Alright, we get some combustion up for Pnake, but no momentum whatsoever.

07:16:51.520 --> 07:16:53.280
And Brunhidding now caught in the kidney shot.

07:16:53.280 --> 07:16:56.480
And then he's in a good position. Though Cubsi is there. Cubsi is just carrying right now.

07:16:56.480 --> 07:16:58.800
The crowd's talking to Chaminet. Doesn't look like he can.

07:16:58.800 --> 07:17:02.560
Next is free both teams are free. They're trying to find their time to find their moment

07:17:02.560 --> 07:17:05.600
as Rniddy is going after Kalvashir next to Giddy and the Cat form.

07:17:05.600 --> 07:17:09.040
And once Giddy combo points for a stun, is he going to find it? No he's met by a stun

07:17:09.040 --> 07:17:11.520
out from Daze, but now Daze has caught into a kidney shot.

07:17:11.520 --> 07:17:15.360
Kalvdy and the Braggens for Rniddy is rotting down to damage. Here's the Kingsbane commitment

07:17:15.360 --> 07:17:22.320
onto Daze. Will he be able to deny his own death? Oh! For Rniddy! Out of nowhere! What is this domination?

07:17:22.320 --> 07:17:28.480
Gators back are totally owning right now. Wow. Gators back. Every time they come back

07:17:28.480 --> 07:17:33.120
for a win you can just hear in the back of your mind gator back again and they've done it I mean

07:17:33.120 --> 07:17:37.360
coming in and taking this right away it feels like they're almost playing mind games the first

07:17:37.360 --> 07:17:41.760
game we watched them just focused down p-make we're kind of going oh interesting they focused

07:17:41.760 --> 07:17:46.960
the mage there and now they come for the rogue as they go and just absolutely take out burn hitty i mean

07:17:46.960 --> 07:17:52.720
chan impressive play i mean this was again this was again true domination right the thing is about

07:17:52.720 --> 07:17:58.400
the assassination record of fire mage is the damage is so high anyone can die but one thing that

07:17:58.400 --> 07:18:03.440
really set this game apart is Gator's back got to go first, they got to use that combustion first

07:18:03.440 --> 07:18:07.680
and that put you know streamer zone on the defensive, couldn't use their combustion for 20 seconds,

07:18:07.680 --> 07:18:11.040
they end up getting the combustion back and they scored the kill because of that. They're just in

07:18:11.040 --> 07:18:15.120
the driving scene and when you're in this aggressive position it's just so much easier to play because

07:18:15.120 --> 07:18:20.560
Nex is scared, Pilimax is scared, Brunhidi is scared, but the Gators they're just jumping on him.

07:18:20.560 --> 07:18:23.680
Take us into some of the highlights and deeper insights that you have about the game as well.

07:18:23.680 --> 07:18:27.440
Yeah absolutely and this set up onto Brunhidi where they get their truthy cloak right,

07:18:27.440 --> 07:18:31.760
So good, they get the Trigger from there and look at what Cubscy was doing to Nex at the same time.

07:18:31.760 --> 07:18:35.520
He went for the Rake stun with the Shadow Melt, gets the Incap raw after that,

07:18:35.520 --> 07:18:39.280
and Brunhiki has the Panic Defensive Smoke Bomb to survive.

07:18:39.280 --> 07:18:43.040
And that's an offensive cooldown that he can't use later on, they still have to follow up damage.

07:18:43.040 --> 07:18:47.120
Nex tries to Trigger desperately to try and save him, but it's just not enough because you're just so far behind

07:18:47.120 --> 07:18:50.880
and the damage is so high coming from that Fire Mage with the Combustion.

07:18:50.880 --> 07:18:54.640
I mean, then this has been such an aggressive push from Gator's back,

07:18:54.640 --> 07:18:55.740
that it was a possibility that

07:18:55.740 --> 07:18:56.740
they would come in and just

07:18:56.740 --> 07:18:57.840
absolutely lean into that kind

07:18:57.840 --> 07:18:59.440
of aggressive play style. How

07:18:59.440 --> 07:19:00.880
do you answer this with

07:19:00.880 --> 07:19:03.440
streamers on GG? You have. I

07:19:03.440 --> 07:19:04.840
feel like you just can't be

07:19:04.840 --> 07:19:06.080
afraid in the matchup, but that

07:19:06.080 --> 07:19:07.880
that really is a style I think

07:19:07.880 --> 07:19:09.680
of Calvish and it shows with

07:19:09.680 --> 07:19:11.240
Gators back. They are really

07:19:11.240 --> 07:19:12.520
pushing the pace of this

07:19:12.520 --> 07:19:13.680
matchup. They're not afraid to

07:19:13.680 --> 07:19:15.320
just use cooldowns early, play

07:19:15.320 --> 07:19:16.880
the game really fast and get

07:19:16.880 --> 07:19:18.320
your opponents on the back. But

07:19:18.320 --> 07:19:19.820
for streamers own, they need to

07:19:19.820 --> 07:19:21.520
not fall into that trap of

07:19:21.520 --> 07:19:22.820
we're just playing defensive.

07:19:22.820 --> 07:19:24.020
We're just surviving because in

07:19:24.020 --> 07:19:26.020
you're going to lose. So you

07:19:26.020 --> 07:19:28.020
have to find an opportunity to

07:19:28.020 --> 07:19:30.020
find those setups to get

07:19:30.020 --> 07:19:32.020
aggressive and try to get

07:19:32.020 --> 07:19:34.020
Gators Gators back into a defensive

07:19:34.020 --> 07:19:36.020
position because if not, Gators

07:19:36.020 --> 07:19:38.020
back is going to walk away with

07:19:38.020 --> 07:19:40.020
three. Oh, I mean, we've seen them

07:19:40.020 --> 07:19:42.020
take it to here already, but I

07:19:42.020 --> 07:19:44.020
think that's a good point because

07:19:44.020 --> 07:19:46.020
if you are committing those

07:19:46.020 --> 07:19:48.020
resources early with this kind of

07:19:48.020 --> 07:19:50.020
aggressive push, there's the

07:19:50.020 --> 07:19:52.020
possibility that that can leave

07:19:52.020 --> 07:19:55.480
to kind of survive through and then use to their advantage.

07:19:55.480 --> 07:19:57.480
I just feel like Cubs is such a flexible player.

07:19:57.480 --> 07:20:00.000
He's the best defensive and best offensive rest of your it.

07:20:00.000 --> 07:20:02.320
So he'll just flip as soon as he knows he's vulnerable.

07:20:02.320 --> 07:20:04.080
He'll flip to defense mode when he knows

07:20:04.080 --> 07:20:04.920
he needs to be aggressive.

07:20:04.920 --> 07:20:05.920
He flips to offense mode.

07:20:05.920 --> 07:20:07.600
And that is what is so challenging

07:20:07.600 --> 07:20:10.640
about taking him down as a player in streamer zone.

07:20:10.640 --> 07:20:11.440
They're afraid.

07:20:11.440 --> 07:20:13.080
They're locking in another large map.

07:20:13.080 --> 07:20:14.840
They're trying to get space to breathe right now.

07:20:14.840 --> 07:20:17.200
They're just trying to push Gators back and hold them

07:20:17.200 --> 07:20:19.240
rather than playing to try and win the game.

07:20:19.240 --> 07:20:21.600
I mean, they have to because if they lose this one,

07:20:21.600 --> 07:20:22.800
then they are out.

07:20:22.800 --> 07:20:24.040
There are no other chances.

07:20:24.040 --> 07:20:25.640
There is not another shot at becoming

07:20:25.640 --> 07:20:27.760
a 20-26 BlizzCon champion.

07:20:27.760 --> 07:20:30.440
They have to get a point here in this series,

07:20:30.440 --> 07:20:32.080
or they will be eliminated.

07:20:32.080 --> 07:20:34.100
Gators back are sitting comfy on these two points

07:20:34.100 --> 07:20:35.920
and with this aggressive playstyle

07:20:35.920 --> 07:20:38.360
that has just completely knocked Streamer's zone

07:20:38.360 --> 07:20:39.720
off of their cadence.

07:20:39.720 --> 07:20:42.800
But in our next map, it could be the final game

07:20:42.800 --> 07:20:43.640
of the series.

07:20:43.640 --> 07:20:45.360
Gators back with two points, Streamer's zone.

07:20:45.360 --> 07:20:46.920
GG, everybody.

07:20:46.920 --> 07:20:48.480
If you want Streamer's zone to have a chance,

07:20:48.480 --> 07:20:50.600
you need to rally, give them your voices.

07:20:50.600 --> 07:20:54.040
Shout out here in the audience and let's see if we can get this roll in Venn.

07:20:54.040 --> 07:20:57.800
Oh man, this is so exciting. Let's see what Gator's back is going to do.

07:20:57.800 --> 07:21:00.440
Don't blink, you'll miss the action. This is going to be a fast one.

07:21:00.440 --> 07:21:03.720
Bowis gets corroded early on. Just good early control here from Brunhiddy.

07:21:03.720 --> 07:21:07.160
Kitty shot here on the daze as Streamer's zone is looking to find that offense.

07:21:07.160 --> 07:21:11.000
An early combustion by P-Make, but looks like Cuddy's able to easily shrug it off.

07:21:11.000 --> 07:21:14.040
Brunhiddy caught in the smoke bomb. Aggressive play from dazed.

07:21:14.040 --> 07:21:17.640
The next is ready for it. Iron Bark is active and that initial exchange

07:21:17.640 --> 07:21:20.640
He's put them in great position, they're swapping on Kalvish, trying to get pressure there.

07:21:20.640 --> 07:21:23.280
He totally shuts it down, breaking out of the stun, blazing barrier up.

07:21:23.280 --> 07:21:24.660
Main stun from Kubsi.

07:21:24.660 --> 07:21:28.480
Kubsi's just constantly getting his crowd control before next can't find anything.

07:21:28.480 --> 07:21:31.780
He's caught in blind, he trinkets it and commits it, but he gets incapped on his trinket.

07:21:31.780 --> 07:21:35.240
He's clutched plays from Kubsi that he's just catching those trinkets.

07:21:35.240 --> 07:21:38.360
Kalvish as well with the Dragon's Breath, he's just finding those millisecond moments.

07:21:38.360 --> 07:21:40.920
And look at this pressure, almost getting the cauterize from Pimic.

07:21:40.920 --> 07:21:45.080
Not even a minute into this game and they're just floundering to try and get something going on dazed.

07:21:45.080 --> 07:21:48.660
Yeah, get cycloned up. So they paused that aggression going after Calvish now

07:21:48.660 --> 07:21:53.760
We're just kind of waiting here for Gators back combustion coming up at about 15 seconds for both of your ages

07:21:53.760 --> 07:21:57.880
So a huge opportunity here Calvish and P make going for Fallen Wolfs

07:21:57.880 --> 07:22:01.680
P make net is to find it now going after Calvish they cut the stun here onto Cubs

07:22:01.680 --> 07:22:04.720
He can't they find more control looks like it will be a cheap shot on next

07:22:04.720 --> 07:22:09.840
We're trying to get aggressive at the same time Calvish is on the back foot. Yes that combustion rotating back up

07:22:09.840 --> 07:22:15.040
It's a huge opportunity here for them to get aggressive on the broon. He said combustion over on today's right now

07:22:15.080 --> 07:22:18.600
Cubsie blocks it but he gets Cyclone and next is starting to find his momentum.

07:22:18.600 --> 07:22:20.840
He's getting crowd control but is it too little too late?

07:22:20.840 --> 07:22:25.160
Bruny Trit gets in close. A clutch moment for both sides as Calvish is struggling.

07:22:25.160 --> 07:22:28.440
Wrapping around the corner trying to get back to Cubsie's side and recover.

07:22:28.440 --> 07:22:30.680
And he should be able to pick him up in a few moments.

07:22:30.680 --> 07:22:34.280
Now Bruny still does have the smoke bomb but here we go opening the smoke behind his force.

07:22:34.280 --> 07:22:37.640
Just gets to the other door that checked me for the Cyclone again from Cubsie.

07:22:37.640 --> 07:22:41.240
Cubsie is on fire. That is going to get the ice block before the cauterize.

07:22:41.240 --> 07:22:47.820
Another cycle comes he is lawless execution right now, but you just get caught by a counter spell and then possibly capitalize on that

07:22:47.820 --> 07:22:53.240
They are on it. They punish they get the kidney shot and cloak and punish cut you right there

07:22:53.240 --> 07:22:57.240
Yeah, put streamer zone back in the game days to down very vulnerable in this situation comes

07:22:57.240 --> 07:23:01.360
He does have some answers, but at the same time streamer zone is running out of cooldowns

07:23:01.360 --> 07:23:03.820
They're running out of time cows needs to be very careful here

07:23:03.820 --> 07:23:09.120
He makes getting interrupted as Gators back is looking to put some truck on the main both teams stabilized for the moment

07:23:09.120 --> 07:23:12.400
but I don't think this game is going to last much longer here.

07:23:12.400 --> 07:23:15.560
Both teams have checked me, turned me down, the roves, no trinkets.

07:23:15.560 --> 07:23:17.920
Are they going to be able to connect the damage in time?

07:23:17.920 --> 07:23:22.480
Blind, kidney, no trinket, comes in, comes in, in the nick of time, with the nature swiftness.

07:23:22.480 --> 07:23:25.560
Blind and rough-killing, the Libby, and that's a lot of damage still.

07:23:25.560 --> 07:23:27.720
They're lining up the death mark, comes in, and caprores in.

07:23:27.720 --> 07:23:31.480
Oh, brother! Oh, my God, this damage is disgusting!

07:23:31.480 --> 07:23:34.480
Gators back 3-0!

07:23:34.480 --> 07:23:38.080
Wow! What a set-up by Gators back there.

07:23:38.080 --> 07:23:43.120
really just turning the aggression around on a streamer zone and coming up with a 3-0 victory.

07:23:43.120 --> 07:23:49.920
3-0 victory for Gators back and NA raised their voices. You can hear the energy as that win came

07:23:49.920 --> 07:23:57.200
in. Gators back were dominant. They absolutely crushed the competition and took down streamer

07:23:57.200 --> 07:24:03.520
zone GG. No problem. But streamer zone GG, they're in that last game. They definitely tried. You can

07:24:03.520 --> 07:24:06.160
see that there was that moment where they thought maybe we can get some breakthroughs. We were

07:24:06.160 --> 07:24:10.960
able to survive the initial assault. But you can see the gators in the audience

07:24:10.960 --> 07:24:15.960
chopping for this victory. I mean, Super Street was on GG. Just wasn't able to

07:24:15.960 --> 07:24:19.360
ultimately make them. They just couldn't adapt the North American aggression like

07:24:19.360 --> 07:24:22.640
Shannon then we're talking about in the pregame just getting in their faces,

07:24:22.640 --> 07:24:27.520
pushing the momentum, pushing the pace constantly, and the European defensive

07:24:27.520 --> 07:24:32.920
mechanisms were not enough to throw them off. They were not and I mean it's tough

07:24:32.920 --> 07:24:36.080
when you just are standing up against somebody who is knocking you down before

07:24:36.080 --> 07:24:40.280
You could even get your bearings in a game, but Chan, you were able to kind of break it down more.

07:24:40.280 --> 07:24:42.280
How did everything kind of unfold?

07:24:42.280 --> 07:24:46.580
I mean, this game was a little bit better from Streamer's Own as you guys said, but the thing is,

07:24:46.580 --> 07:24:52.580
next went for the push when they would get a go on to dazed, and they just turned it right around on them.

07:24:52.580 --> 07:24:58.280
CC, next, and then I think Cuxi actually maimed his trinket with the combustion still rolling from Kalavish,

07:24:58.280 --> 07:25:00.880
and the thing is the damage is just so overwhelming.

07:25:00.880 --> 07:25:05.780
Next, he couldn't get enough lobes off before he got re-CC, and Bernhidi just ended up going down.

07:25:05.780 --> 07:25:10.780
Perfect. This is the thing about Cubsy on Druid. This is why he's the best Druid.

07:25:10.780 --> 07:25:17.780
It is, and the cheers are still going through the audience. I mean, it is true though. Seeing that play, it absolutely backs up your statements.

07:25:17.780 --> 07:25:21.780
I mean, it's so impressive that dexterity and that just dominance in the field.

07:25:21.780 --> 07:25:26.780
I mean, we're looking here at the death recap of the pity. Ben, what are you kind of seeing as we look over it?

07:25:29.780 --> 07:25:32.780
Yeah, I think it's one of those things where either one of them.

07:25:32.780 --> 07:25:34.700
All right, well, you know what?

07:25:34.700 --> 07:25:36.100
Actually, it looks like our interview is ready.

07:25:36.100 --> 07:25:37.620
So we are going to toss over to the stage.

07:25:37.620 --> 07:25:38.940
We're going to have an interview,

07:25:38.940 --> 07:25:40.300
and then we'll circle back.

07:25:40.300 --> 07:25:41.300
We certainly do.

07:25:41.300 --> 07:25:42.780
I am here with Calvish.

07:25:42.780 --> 07:25:44.420
Congratulations once again.

07:25:44.420 --> 07:25:46.940
You have so many fans in the audience here.

07:25:46.940 --> 07:25:50.900
Is this something you were expecting?

07:25:50.900 --> 07:25:51.460
What are you saying?

07:25:51.460 --> 07:25:52.980
Were you expecting this?

07:25:52.980 --> 07:25:55.220
Was I expecting this?

07:25:55.220 --> 07:25:58.220
The mirrors are a bit rough, but I think we're pretty good

07:25:58.220 --> 07:25:58.900
in that matchup.

07:25:58.900 --> 07:26:09.500
So now, I don't know if you were listening to anything that they were talking about on the desk earlier, but Maro said that you were the best mage in the world.

07:26:09.500 --> 07:26:11.700
Do you have any response to that?

07:26:12.500 --> 07:26:14.100
I have a lot of respect for Maro.

07:26:14.100 --> 07:26:16.200
I think Maro is a complete God.

07:26:16.200 --> 07:26:19.600
So carrying him say that makes me feel really good about myself.

07:26:19.600 --> 07:26:24.500
It gives me some confidence to run in and play super aggressively every single game.

07:26:24.500 --> 07:26:27.860
Yeah, I'm speaking of aggression.

07:26:27.860 --> 07:26:28.940
Speaking of aggression,

07:26:28.940 --> 07:26:31.940
we definitely saw that showcased in that series that you guys just played.

07:26:31.940 --> 07:26:34.660
Did you feel that level of aggression and what was behind that?

07:26:34.660 --> 07:26:37.660
It was incredible, incredible to watch.

07:26:37.660 --> 07:26:39.260
Yeah, feel it the entire game.

07:26:39.260 --> 07:26:42.460
That's kind of like, that's how we like to play the mage mirrors a lot,

07:26:42.460 --> 07:26:46.380
is we just get in there, get on top of them and make them just freak out.

07:26:48.620 --> 07:26:52.420
All right, moving on to face off against Echo in the grand finals.

07:26:52.420 --> 07:26:53.380
Are you feeling prepared?

07:26:53.380 --> 07:26:57.780
are you ready to go feeling very prepared. All right amazing

07:26:57.780 --> 07:27:01.740
congratulations once again a good luck back to you guys. I

07:27:01.740 --> 07:27:04.080
really love that quote. We just make them freak out because

07:27:04.080 --> 07:27:06.580
honestly if I was the one that was facing that I that's

07:27:06.580 --> 07:27:08.680
exactly what I would be doing and we were talking about

07:27:08.680 --> 07:27:11.080
bruhay before we went over to the stage were there any thoughts

07:27:11.080 --> 07:27:13.680
you wanted to add on about that then. I mean I was just going

07:27:13.680 --> 07:27:16.680
to say in this matchup it seems like both the rogue and the

07:27:16.680 --> 07:27:20.280
major so capable of this these really explosive moments so

07:27:20.480 --> 07:27:22.880
that's what makes it so exciting and also what makes these

07:27:22.880 --> 07:27:29.120
matchup so short because you're seeing opportunities for the mage is completely one shot the enemy team and then the same thing for the

07:27:29.120 --> 07:27:34.960
Rogue so we've got to keep our eye out on all these players. Oh absolutely and I mean Gator's back taking this series

07:27:34.960 --> 07:27:39.600
It's no wonder because it was such an impressive play from them. Chan, what did we see in this last game?

07:27:39.600 --> 07:27:44.080
I mean this set up on today's here, you know, they switched some damage on the tower

07:27:44.080 --> 07:27:49.480
But I feel like Cubs is doing such a good job responding to all the pushes from streamers own right whereas on

07:27:49.480 --> 07:27:53.040
on Sumer's own side, Nex gets caught up in the Cyclone from Cubsie,

07:27:53.040 --> 07:27:54.600
came back as to go into a block randomly.

07:27:54.600 --> 07:27:55.800
And then this setup right here, look at this,

07:27:55.800 --> 07:27:58.200
cheap shot onto Nex with the combustion from Calvish,

07:27:58.200 --> 07:27:59.080
which is about to be popped in,

07:27:59.080 --> 07:28:02.600
in-caps raw combustion real frost into the main on his Trinket.

07:28:02.600 --> 07:28:05.280
And Brunhidi just goes down because he doesn't have to cook the showers available.

07:28:05.280 --> 07:28:08.440
But I mean, beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

07:28:08.440 --> 07:28:10.840
All these micro CCs just coming through at the right time,

07:28:10.840 --> 07:28:14.680
layering them all together and does not give me Nex the space to get away.

07:28:14.680 --> 07:28:17.040
Yeah, these Trinket there, they should have survived that setup.

07:28:17.040 --> 07:28:23.440
Yeah, I mean, but again, when you're just completely thrown by that team, I think it's hard to kind of have that bigger perspective in the moment.

07:28:23.440 --> 07:28:27.640
You can lose your cool so easily and misuse some of those things or not take full advantage.

07:28:27.640 --> 07:28:29.240
And I mean, we saw it with that death.

07:28:29.240 --> 07:28:30.540
We saw it with that action.

07:28:30.540 --> 07:28:35.040
And I mean, of course, Gators back are impressive and top of NA for a reason.

07:28:35.040 --> 07:28:41.840
Now here with our bracket, this is going to mean that we have our two grand finalists, Echo and Gators back.

07:28:41.840 --> 07:28:48.120
Super these two I think are going to be even more exciting than everything else. We've seen today. That's already been so good

07:28:48.120 --> 07:28:50.960
It's best of seven. It's been seven years

07:28:51.360 --> 07:28:58.760
North America against Europe echo versus Gators back and after seeing that momentum if I was echo like

07:28:59.040 --> 07:29:01.560
It's not often that I would say I might be shaking a little bit

07:29:02.040 --> 07:29:06.360
Yeah, I mean honestly when you see Gators back just do that 3-0 and then you hear that

07:29:06.680 --> 07:29:10.920
Confidence of you know, are you ready to face them? Do you think you can take down echo and there's just that sense of like?

07:29:10.920 --> 07:29:15.740
Yeah, yeah, you know, I mean that confidence is something that I think echo is gonna have to be wary of them

07:29:15.740 --> 07:29:19.000
I mean they just re owed their practice partners, right?

07:29:19.000 --> 07:29:22.760
So that's just that's a tough spot to be in but you could never count out echo

07:29:22.760 --> 07:29:28.640
There's so many times where I mean echo they've just been so dominant for such a long time that sometimes we do count them out

07:29:28.640 --> 07:29:33.040
But they always make us regret it. So I think we're in for an amazing grand finals

07:29:33.040 --> 07:29:37.920
I think so too will NA be able to shake it up against EU with echo even with these long-standing

07:29:37.920 --> 07:29:42.560
standing victors or are we going to see NA here with the energy of the crowd

07:29:42.560 --> 07:29:46.960
chanting USA behind them can Gators back continue on and become champions this

07:29:46.960 --> 07:29:52.280
year at the AWC championship I don't know but our grand finals are not yet

07:29:52.280 --> 07:29:55.320
done they are coming up very soon we have a quick break so you can gather

07:29:55.320 --> 07:29:58.200
yourself and then we have to be ready because this is going to be a huge

07:29:58.200 --> 07:30:00.720
matchup

07:30:07.920 --> 07:30:21.560
BlizzCon is brought to you by Fanta, lip-smacking deliciousness.

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Between the well-worn pages of the history we know, lie the stories we haven't heard.

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Countless adventures, untold, from the time when it all began, through the hidden paths in ancient forests, above and beyond familiar peace, your journey awaits.

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Let the drums of the war thunder forever.

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Our home, Azeroth, her untold stories, call to our hearts, revealing lands unexplored,

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forgotten secrets, and new horizons.

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Asaroth reckons us back to home, to adventure, forever.

07:38:26.640 --> 07:38:56.040
Welcome to go again, the past, present, and future of hardcore.

07:38:56.040 --> 07:39:00.360
My name is Nora Mills, I'm a lead software engineer on WoW Forever and of course the

07:39:00.360 --> 07:39:07.200
classic team. Joining me today is these two awesome dudes, Chris Zeerhut, principal game

07:39:07.200 --> 07:39:12.680
designer and honestly guy who knows just about everything there is to know about World of

07:39:12.680 --> 07:39:21.680
Warcraft. Seriously, he's like an encyclopedia. And also none other than Aggrand, Josh Greenfield.

07:39:21.680 --> 07:39:28.480
I didn't even get to his title yet.

07:39:28.480 --> 07:39:31.480
Senior game designer.

07:39:31.480 --> 07:39:34.480
Wow.

07:39:34.480 --> 07:39:38.560
So the format of this panel is very laid back.

07:39:38.560 --> 07:39:40.520
This is honestly not scripted.

07:39:40.520 --> 07:39:44.720
I just wrote down a bunch of bullet points to make sure I pulled the right information

07:39:44.720 --> 07:39:46.320
out of these two guys.

07:39:46.320 --> 07:39:50.340
Basically, we're going to talk about how Hardcore went from

07:39:50.340 --> 07:39:53.180
really community-driven idea,

07:39:53.180 --> 07:39:57.500
concept to something our team got in there and started saying,

07:39:57.500 --> 07:40:01.220
hey, we're interested in maybe talking about this thing and

07:40:01.220 --> 07:40:05.780
working with the community toward an eventual pitch,

07:40:05.780 --> 07:40:07.540
and then that launch moment,

07:40:07.540 --> 07:40:09.940
how it was received and how our team

07:40:09.940 --> 07:40:12.140
even received it and reacted to it.

07:40:12.140 --> 07:40:15.440
Then finally, we're going to maybe

07:40:15.440 --> 07:40:20.640
share a little bit of what to expect in, wow, forever hardcore.

07:40:20.640 --> 07:40:26.800
So, yeah, to kick things off, for anybody who hasn't played hardcore,

07:40:26.800 --> 07:40:30.360
or who isn't familiar with the concept as it relates to World of Warcraft,

07:40:30.360 --> 07:40:34.720
you might be wondering, like, all right, does hardcore just mean,

07:40:34.720 --> 07:40:36.840
I don't know, they crank up the game difficulty,

07:40:36.840 --> 07:40:39.080
everything has a lot of health, everything hits really hard?

07:40:39.080 --> 07:40:42.440
Like, what does it mean for World of Warcraft to be hardcore?

07:40:42.440 --> 07:40:48.040
So, to kick things off, Chris, why don't you explain to the audience what is hardcore?

07:40:48.040 --> 07:40:53.720
So, hardcore is a really kind of overloaded term in gaming these days, especially in World of Warcraft.

07:40:53.720 --> 07:40:59.960
Does it mean you're doing, you know, mythic raider, myth of progression, high-end arena like we just witnessed here?

07:41:01.480 --> 07:41:08.600
But that's really not what hardcore is about in World of Warcraft Classic. Hardcore comes back to

07:41:08.600 --> 07:41:13.480
something a little further back in Blizzard's history when we first launched Diablo II.

07:41:14.360 --> 07:41:18.760
It had a new mode where you could choose to go to hardcore instead of normal mode.

07:41:19.720 --> 07:41:24.680
And when your character died, that was it. They're dead. You can't play anymore. They're gone. Start

07:41:24.680 --> 07:41:29.640
over. And I remember back then when that came out, I had some friends that really liked to play

07:41:29.640 --> 07:41:33.160
hardcore and I kind of teased them about it like, something's going to call you in the middle of the

07:41:33.160 --> 07:41:37.000
the night when you're playing offline, you're dead, right?

07:41:37.000 --> 07:41:41.840
But, well, hardcore ended up being a very, very different thing

07:41:41.840 --> 07:41:44.160
than that, even though it took the inspiration for that.

07:41:44.160 --> 07:41:45.920
It was inspired by what the community did,

07:41:45.920 --> 07:41:48.640
the add-ons you built, and the ideas that came from you,

07:41:48.640 --> 07:41:50.680
the influencers and streamers,

07:41:50.680 --> 07:41:53.480
and turned into something really great.

07:41:53.480 --> 07:41:54.320
Yeah, awesome.

07:41:54.320 --> 07:41:57.360
I really love the story of honestly how it came from the community

07:41:57.360 --> 07:41:59.080
and then turned into a kind of a collaboration

07:41:59.080 --> 07:42:00.920
between our team and the community.

07:42:00.920 --> 07:42:02.960
As you must have heard on our other panels,

07:42:02.960 --> 07:42:06.040
like we are very interested in working with y'all

07:42:06.040 --> 07:42:08.480
to make this thing the best thing it can be.

07:42:08.480 --> 07:42:10.960
And so we really look forward to collaborating

07:42:10.960 --> 07:42:14.040
with our players, I mean, for hardcore

07:42:14.040 --> 07:42:16.860
and also into the future forever.

07:42:16.860 --> 07:42:21.480
So for those who don't know, Josh was really

07:42:21.480 --> 07:42:24.400
at the forefront of a lot of our conversations

07:42:24.400 --> 07:42:26.480
in the very beginning with players

07:42:26.480 --> 07:42:28.040
in the hardcore community.

07:42:28.040 --> 07:42:31.960
And so Josh, why don't you explain

07:42:31.960 --> 07:42:33.520
How did this whole thing start?

07:42:33.520 --> 07:42:34.480
Where did it all begin?

07:42:34.480 --> 07:42:36.160
Take us back to the beginning.

07:42:36.160 --> 07:42:38.400
Well, it's a bit of a long story,

07:42:38.400 --> 07:42:40.200
so I'll try not to bore everybody,

07:42:40.200 --> 07:42:42.880
but essentially kind of the way it started,

07:42:42.880 --> 07:42:45.600
I mean, it started when 2019 classics started,

07:42:45.600 --> 07:42:46.760
and even before that,

07:42:46.760 --> 07:42:48.680
there's always been groups of people

07:42:48.680 --> 07:42:51.600
who want to do like the one life challenge,

07:42:51.600 --> 07:42:54.880
where you have one shot and leveling a character to 60

07:42:54.880 --> 07:42:55.840
without dying.

07:42:57.600 --> 07:42:59.720
For us, where we really got involved in it,

07:42:59.720 --> 07:43:02.600
was in our Season of Mastery server.

07:43:02.600 --> 07:43:07.440
So Season of Mastery was essentially a special rule set,

07:43:07.440 --> 07:43:12.440
fresh vanilla wow realm that we spun up in 2022 or 2021,

07:43:15.360 --> 07:43:19.640
excuse me, and whenever we announced it,

07:43:19.640 --> 07:43:21.120
everyone was, there was a lot of people

07:43:21.120 --> 07:43:24.360
that were really excited to kind of do fresh vanilla again

07:43:24.360 --> 07:43:27.000
and the hardcore community self-organized an event

07:43:27.000 --> 07:43:28.840
called the Road to Ragnaros.

07:43:29.720 --> 07:43:33.440
Yeah, exactly.

07:43:33.440 --> 07:43:37.460
And by the time we saw information about that,

07:43:37.460 --> 07:43:39.180
it was a couple of months before we were going to launch,

07:43:39.180 --> 07:43:41.520
but we were locking down the build.

07:43:41.520 --> 07:43:44.920
We were getting ready to be done with Season of Mastery,

07:43:44.920 --> 07:43:46.640
or at least getting ready to ship it.

07:43:46.640 --> 07:43:49.280
But we were like, man, that is really cool.

07:43:49.280 --> 07:43:52.440
That would be super fun to support in some way,

07:43:52.440 --> 07:43:54.720
but we didn't have very much time left.

07:43:54.720 --> 07:43:58.760
And ultimately, there was one of our designers on the team,

07:43:58.760 --> 07:44:04.040
Tony Trejo who is now an encounter designer on World of Warcraft. He does a great job.

07:44:04.040 --> 07:44:09.080
He was like, guys, I think I can slam something in to like just give a little wink and a nod

07:44:09.080 --> 07:44:14.360
to the community on this. And so he created a system called the Soul of Iron, which Soul of Iron

07:44:14.360 --> 07:44:18.840
is pretty simple. You go and talk to an NPC in town and they'll give you a buff that says you've

07:44:18.840 --> 07:44:27.160
never known defeat and then obviously if you die you lose it. And so we put that in, we put the

07:44:27.160 --> 07:44:31.220
server out and, you know, road to Ragnaros was a great success.

07:44:31.220 --> 07:44:32.960
A lot of people had a lot of fun with it.

07:44:33.120 --> 07:44:35.860
You know, a bunch of groups made it to 60.

07:44:36.000 --> 07:44:40.960
They got through molten core with 40 other friends who made it to 60 without dying

07:44:41.200 --> 07:44:42.360
and they killed Ragnaros.

07:44:42.360 --> 07:44:46.800
And so we just had so much fun with that, not just kind of like watching it,

07:44:46.800 --> 07:44:47.700
but also playing it.

07:44:47.700 --> 07:44:49.700
A lot of us leveled through that with them.

07:44:50.040 --> 07:44:52.200
And so it always kind of stuck with us.

07:44:52.640 --> 07:44:56.680
So fast forward to about a year later, we were, we had just launched

07:44:56.680 --> 07:45:09.680
and the hardcore community had kind of spun down on Season of Mastery, and they ended up kind of setting up shop on one of our era realms, on an RP realm called Blood Sale Buccaneers.

07:45:09.680 --> 07:45:12.680
Yeah, big shout to Blood Sale.

07:45:12.680 --> 07:45:17.680
Yeah, and at this point they've gotten very sophisticated.

07:45:17.680 --> 07:45:23.980
Nara mentioned the add-on and all of the the it kind of kept you honest and talked to each other

07:45:23.980 --> 07:45:28.080
It gave you a death notification in chat. It was really really cool and

07:45:29.240 --> 07:45:34.200
That's when a lot of us started kind of going hard at it. I know Nora. I know you went really hard at it

07:45:34.960 --> 07:45:39.460
You know, I I love all the bunch of characters or well tried to anyway

07:45:40.280 --> 07:45:42.120
but

07:45:42.120 --> 07:45:43.720
Around that time

07:45:43.720 --> 07:45:46.440
We just we're like, you know what this needs to be a real thing

07:45:46.440 --> 07:45:48.600
We need to make this a real thing.

07:45:48.600 --> 07:45:56.100
And so I was a producer at the time and so I spent a lot of time kind of looking at metrics and numbers and stuff like that as part of my kind of job.

07:45:56.100 --> 07:46:07.800
And I started keeping track of what we call like the daily peak concurrency, which is essentially the high watermark each day of how many people are online on average.

07:46:07.800 --> 07:46:14.280
And when I first started tracking this, it was probably 150 to 200 people online at once on any

07:46:14.280 --> 07:46:19.960
given day, which isn't much, but it was a couple of pretty full guilds worth of people that were

07:46:19.960 --> 07:46:26.120
doing it. So week over week, I'm tracking this, and this is like towards the end of the year in 2022

07:46:26.120 --> 07:46:33.440
and our yeah 2022 and the once we got close to our holiday break it had gone

07:46:33.440 --> 07:46:39.400
from like 200 350 500 a thousand and it was like getting really close to a

07:46:39.400 --> 07:46:43.680
thousand and so we went on our holiday break came back from the break and it

07:46:43.680 --> 07:46:48.080
was like 1500 it had jumped in a week that much and it's like this is real we

07:46:48.080 --> 07:46:52.520
need to do something with this and so we kind of put our heads together we put

07:46:52.520 --> 07:46:56.600
together a pitch and we took it to the kind of upper blizzard leadership and

07:46:56.600 --> 07:47:00.520
said hey we'd really like to do this here's kind of the here's the graph you

07:47:00.520 --> 07:47:07.640
know the really fancy looking spiky graph and I kind of want to say initially

07:47:07.640 --> 07:47:12.040
there were a little lukewarm on it you know it was like it was like I don't

07:47:12.040 --> 07:47:17.200
know guys it takes a long time to level it wow it seems a little risky you know

07:47:17.200 --> 07:47:23.440
and it's like, trust me, it will be cool. Trust me. Trust me, bro, kind of saying. But

07:47:24.960 --> 07:47:33.120
so Holly Longdale was our executive producer, and she was probably like 60 or 70% sold on it.

07:47:33.120 --> 07:47:37.680
And she's like, Josh, I got to go on vacation. I'll be gone for two weeks. Let me think about it.

07:47:37.680 --> 07:47:41.440
Let me think about it. And so I'm like, okay, you know, I walked out of it. I was a little

07:47:41.440 --> 07:47:50.740
will despondent. So Holly used to refer to our team as team finger guns. And so we went

07:47:50.740 --> 07:47:56.560
and we talked to one of our engineers, Chase McGuire, who ended up doing a lot of the implementation

07:47:56.560 --> 07:48:01.300
for the final launch version. And we're like, hey, you think you can maybe put together

07:48:01.300 --> 07:48:07.860
a prototype in two weeks? And he's like, yeah, sure, let's do it. And so we finger guns the

07:48:07.860 --> 07:48:12.260
prototype together in about two weeks and I mean it wasn't it wasn't ship ready but it was it was

07:48:12.260 --> 07:48:17.300
hardcore you died you stayed dead you couldn't use res you couldn't use on kiddo stuff like that

07:48:17.300 --> 07:48:20.820
and so she comes back from her vacation she's like all right let's let's talk about this thing and

07:48:20.820 --> 07:48:27.940
it's like well actually we've kind of already built it here it is and she she kind of did the

07:48:27.940 --> 07:48:33.060
Jean-Luc Picard like facepalm like oh yeah all right cool let's do it let's do it and that was

07:48:33.060 --> 07:48:37.560
was the green light. And so we were off to the races at that point. And as soon as we

07:48:37.560 --> 07:48:43.440
kind of got that sort of green light, we kind of immediately went and engaged with the community.

07:48:43.440 --> 07:48:47.740
We had already been, I've been in a discord chat for a long time with some people who

07:48:47.740 --> 07:48:51.920
are really at the spearhead of the kind of hardcore community. I'm talking about people

07:48:51.920 --> 07:48:59.000
like tactics, only black smoke, winky, Cargas, Sarth, you know, a bunch of guys like that,

07:48:59.000 --> 07:49:04.120
really, really great people who are kind of really pushing this way of playing and, you

07:49:04.120 --> 07:49:08.040
know, I was like, I kind of had to be a little coy with them. I'm like, well, you know, you

07:49:08.040 --> 07:49:11.880
know, if we were to do this, like, you know, here, you know, people kind of tell us to

07:49:11.880 --> 07:49:16.160
devour the storm wind. How would we, you know, maybe here's our idea for this. Like, what

07:49:16.160 --> 07:49:19.920
do you think of that? And they're like, yeah, that's pretty cool, I guess. And, you know,

07:49:19.920 --> 07:49:24.360
they give us feedback and we kind of, you know, iterate on that and stuff. And so we

07:49:24.360 --> 07:49:27.000
We knew we were going to launch it.

07:49:27.000 --> 07:49:29.160
We figured out what our release date was.

07:49:29.160 --> 07:49:31.680
It was going to be in August, and we needed to announce it.

07:49:31.680 --> 07:49:33.440
And around the time this was all going,

07:49:33.440 --> 07:49:36.120
something that I think kind of helped us push over the edge

07:49:36.120 --> 07:49:38.280
was there was an event called the Hardcore Allstars

07:49:38.280 --> 07:49:39.560
that was happening.

07:49:39.560 --> 07:49:42.480
Shout out to anybody who participated in that or watched it.

07:49:45.160 --> 07:49:48.120
And it was about to have its finale.

07:49:48.120 --> 07:49:51.680
And a lot of the same people who were in that chat with us

07:49:51.680 --> 07:49:52.960
were working on that.

07:49:52.960 --> 07:49:59.240
And we're just like, hey, could it be cool if we just went on there real quick and just said something?

07:49:59.240 --> 07:50:02.320
And they're like, gee, I wonder what you're going to say.

07:50:02.320 --> 07:50:06.120
So it was kind of a not very well kept secret, I guess.

07:50:06.120 --> 07:50:10.840
But so yeah, they were gracious enough to let us go on to the show.

07:50:10.840 --> 07:50:14.440
And we announced, wow, classic hardcore was coming.

07:50:14.440 --> 07:50:17.280
And I got to say, that was kind of like the highlight of my time.

07:50:17.280 --> 07:50:18.680
I've been a blizzard for 17 years.

07:50:18.680 --> 07:50:22.520
And that was a pretty big moment to be able to go on there

07:50:22.520 --> 07:50:23.080
and do that.

07:50:23.080 --> 07:50:27.320
But ultimately, this is a thing that was by you guys

07:50:27.320 --> 07:50:28.600
and for you guys.

07:50:28.600 --> 07:50:30.920
We just kind of were along for the ride.

07:50:30.920 --> 07:50:33.480
And it's one of the most special things

07:50:33.480 --> 07:50:36.080
I think I've worked on at Blizzard.

07:50:36.080 --> 07:50:38.320
In a lot of ways, I feel like, wow, hardcore

07:50:38.320 --> 07:50:41.200
is the purest way to play vanilla wow.

07:50:48.680 --> 07:50:56.280
We can never go back to the where we were at our lives in 2004 2006 or wherever we started playing Wow

07:50:56.480 --> 07:51:00.280
But and it's hard for us to turn our brains off as gamers

07:51:00.440 --> 07:51:01.480
You know what I mean?

07:51:01.480 --> 07:51:08.600
but this is one of those things that it like forces you to play like you played back then like you were clueless and

07:51:08.920 --> 07:51:14.160
But you are clueless you do have a clue now, but it still just forces you to slow down and

07:51:15.000 --> 07:51:17.920
Super special so anyway, that's the story

07:51:17.920 --> 07:51:24.400
What are some of the design implications of implementing hardcore in a game that wasn't

07:51:24.400 --> 07:51:27.440
originally designed for it?

07:51:27.440 --> 07:51:29.140
Those things had to come up.

07:51:29.140 --> 07:51:30.360
How did that kind of come up?

07:51:30.360 --> 07:51:33.840
How did we approach those problems?

07:51:33.840 --> 07:51:41.360
Yeah, I mean, a lot of times it's just like, how does it work?

07:51:41.360 --> 07:51:43.920
What are the logistics of doing certain things?

07:51:43.920 --> 07:51:50.640
obviously it's a really big game and even those of us who have worked on Wow for 15 plus years,

07:51:50.640 --> 07:51:55.040
there's things about the game that we even sometimes kind of forget. And so we had to do a lot of

07:51:55.040 --> 07:52:00.720
testing like remember all of those little things that would kill you and what weren't fair and

07:52:00.720 --> 07:52:05.920
try and create solutions for them and also sometimes make a difficult decision on what not to do.

07:52:05.920 --> 07:52:10.720
It's like Velestraz. It's like well good luck figure it out and you know people did figure it

07:52:10.720 --> 07:52:13.060
you can hear it out, you know, in the middle of it,

07:52:13.060 --> 07:52:13.900
and stuff like that.

07:52:13.900 --> 07:52:18.600
So it's just a lot of looking at the game top down

07:52:18.600 --> 07:52:21.380
and trying to understand what needs to happen

07:52:21.380 --> 07:52:24.660
to reinforce it for this style of play.

07:52:24.660 --> 07:52:27.300
And also UI and things like that, like guilds,

07:52:27.300 --> 07:52:29.300
like what happens when your guild leader dies?

07:52:29.300 --> 07:52:31.660
You know, so like we have to communicate that,

07:52:31.660 --> 07:52:33.660
hey, you need to hand over your guild to somebody else.

07:52:33.660 --> 07:52:35.540
You're dead, and stuff like that.

07:52:35.540 --> 07:52:38.220
And also like the considerations for,

07:52:38.220 --> 07:52:39.420
this isn't Diablo, right?

07:52:39.420 --> 07:52:42.300
This isn't like your character is done and gets deleted.

07:52:42.300 --> 07:52:45.100
Like letting you go to the normal servers,

07:52:45.100 --> 07:52:48.460
the normal era realms after you die is something that we think

07:52:48.460 --> 07:52:50.700
is a great middle ground for like,

07:52:50.700 --> 07:52:53.780
oh man, I've spent 200 hours playing this character,

07:52:53.780 --> 07:52:55.580
like suck if it was gone forever.

07:52:55.580 --> 07:52:58.060
It's like, well, you know, you're done on the hardcore server,

07:52:58.060 --> 07:53:03.060
but you can go over to one of the normal realms if you'd like.

07:53:03.940 --> 07:53:04.780
Awesome.

07:53:04.780 --> 07:53:08.260
So hardcore was something that the community believed in,

07:53:08.260 --> 07:53:09.220
we believed in,

07:53:09.220 --> 07:53:14.980
for the first time ever we were about to ship official hardcore realms and that was you know

07:53:14.980 --> 07:53:21.620
I mean anytime you ship a new product while forever we you know there's a certain amount of like

07:53:21.620 --> 07:53:29.140
nervousness right there's this anticipation um but we I don't I don't think that I well I don't

07:53:29.140 --> 07:53:34.500
know if our team was fully prepared for what that launch moment would be like. We actually have a

07:53:34.500 --> 07:53:39.980
clip from a couple of players who would like to share some of what their experience was

07:53:39.980 --> 07:53:45.220
like playing hardcore. I don't know if my friend backstage could put the clip up on the fancy

07:53:45.220 --> 07:53:46.220
screens.

07:53:46.220 --> 07:53:51.060
The redacted aspect?

07:53:51.060 --> 07:53:53.700
You're just saying it because of this.

07:53:53.700 --> 07:53:54.700
Okay, like...

07:53:54.700 --> 07:53:55.700
OH!

07:53:55.700 --> 07:54:06.540
Hardcore is a game mode in all the Warcraft, means a lot to me because it rekindled my

07:54:06.540 --> 07:54:11.100
joy and my excitement for the game as a whole, only having one life kind of forces you to

07:54:11.100 --> 07:54:15.460
take it slow and just enjoy the journey, which I think is great because the journey is the

07:54:15.460 --> 07:54:18.300
the fantastic and most amazing part about Classic Wild.

07:54:19.300 --> 07:54:22.020
Bro, can I even kill two Searing Ghouls?

07:54:22.020 --> 07:54:23.780
Yeah, I'm gonna kill them.

07:54:23.780 --> 07:54:25.220
I'm gonna use a health pot.

07:54:27.700 --> 07:54:30.820
I can't, oh my gosh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

07:54:30.820 --> 07:54:32.340
I'm dead!

07:54:32.340 --> 07:54:33.180
I'm actually...

07:54:35.740 --> 07:54:37.740
Oh my gosh, bro.

07:54:42.340 --> 07:54:43.980
What does hardcore mean to me?

07:54:43.980 --> 07:54:49.380
It's the closest thing you can get to playing the game back in 2004.

07:54:49.380 --> 07:54:53.100
Hardcore forces you to go slow, enjoy the process,

07:54:53.100 --> 07:54:56.060
not just go, go, go, do all your chores and log off,

07:54:56.060 --> 07:54:59.540
but let me just sit here and game and build up my character.

07:54:59.540 --> 07:55:00.540
And I love that.

07:55:05.300 --> 07:55:06.740
So what did you guys think?

07:55:06.740 --> 07:55:08.940
How did the launch live up to your expectations?

07:55:08.940 --> 07:55:11.500
Like, did you expect it to be this big?

07:55:11.500 --> 07:55:14.420
I was really surprised by one thing about hardcore.

07:55:14.420 --> 07:55:17.740
I talked to her earlier about how I kind of didn't take it

07:55:17.740 --> 07:55:19.020
seriously, like, you're just going to die.

07:55:19.020 --> 07:55:21.980
You're going to get disconnected on the phone whatsoever.

07:55:21.980 --> 07:55:25.420
And it ended up being a very, very different thing,

07:55:25.420 --> 07:55:29.780
because World of Warcraft, unlike Diablo, is an MMO.

07:55:29.780 --> 07:55:32.380
And you don't just play it by yourself.

07:55:32.380 --> 07:55:34.260
You play it with your friends.

07:55:34.260 --> 07:55:35.940
You don't go in a cave by yourself.

07:55:35.940 --> 07:55:37.700
Remember, cave equals grave.

07:55:37.700 --> 07:55:39.940
You want to go with other people.

07:55:39.940 --> 07:55:42.660
So when that moment happens and you get disconnected

07:55:42.660 --> 07:55:45.580
and Nora's disconnected, somebody like Josh and I,

07:55:45.580 --> 07:55:47.500
we would hang around and protect her

07:55:47.500 --> 07:55:49.420
until she goes offline to keep her alive.

07:55:49.420 --> 07:55:51.980
So the experience changed a lot

07:55:51.980 --> 07:55:54.460
because now people are depending on each other.

07:55:54.460 --> 07:55:57.180
If the world wants to kill you,

07:55:57.180 --> 07:55:59.820
and it's you and your friends and new strangers

07:55:59.820 --> 07:56:02.460
that are now your friends against the world.

07:56:02.460 --> 07:56:05.940
So you're working together in cooperative in ways

07:56:05.940 --> 07:56:08.860
really don't happen in all of World of Warcraft.

07:56:08.860 --> 07:56:14.820
And I think it results in hardcore having the very best community and social experience

07:56:14.820 --> 07:56:18.500
in all of World of Warcraft and all of our history.

07:56:18.500 --> 07:56:33.860
Well, as Chris mentioned, the world is out to kill you and that's not just players who

07:56:33.860 --> 07:56:36.980
who are losing their characters in hardcore.

07:56:36.980 --> 07:56:40.540
As a matter of fact, some of our beloved team members

07:56:40.540 --> 07:56:43.580
had moments of their own.

07:56:43.580 --> 07:56:44.980
I don't know if my friend backstage

07:56:44.980 --> 07:56:48.300
can roll the special clip I have provided

07:56:48.300 --> 07:56:50.160
in honor of Agrand here.

07:56:54.300 --> 07:56:57.300
["Street Fighter II"]

07:56:59.860 --> 07:57:00.900
Just a shortcut.

07:57:03.860 --> 07:57:05.860
I

07:57:33.860 --> 07:57:54.900
to be fair. To be fair. My

07:57:54.900 --> 07:57:56.900
key bind got unbound because I

07:57:56.900 --> 07:57:58.900
logged that character in during

07:57:58.900 --> 07:58:00.900
maintenance to test the bug and

07:58:00.900 --> 07:58:02.900
it went to my keep. I don't know

07:58:02.900 --> 07:58:04.900
excuse.

07:58:04.900 --> 07:58:09.900
I remember one night after a raid Josh started telling the story about how that happened.

07:58:09.900 --> 07:58:18.900
You're not alone. I did one fateful morning on my, I think my mage was like level 52.

07:58:18.900 --> 07:58:26.900
I thought up I hadn't had my coffee yet and I just, I was like, oh, I had time for a little bit of hardcore before work.

07:58:26.900 --> 07:58:31.900
And I went to do some, oh, yeah, I went to do some quests.

07:58:33.060 --> 07:58:36.460
And I entered a barn filled with undead.

07:58:36.460 --> 07:58:37.740
It was a bad move.

07:58:37.740 --> 07:58:38.700
Don't do the barn.

07:58:38.700 --> 07:58:41.060
Yeah, but the thing that actually kind of surprised me

07:58:41.060 --> 07:58:44.740
was just the overwhelming amount of people at like,

07:58:44.740 --> 07:58:47.740
well, 6 a.m. California time anyway,

07:58:47.740 --> 07:58:50.340
bombarding me with whispers and just messages,

07:58:50.340 --> 07:58:52.980
guild messages too, just saying like, you know,

07:58:52.980 --> 07:58:57.860
any mixture of go again, or my least favorite was,

07:58:57.860 --> 07:58:59.420
what happened?

07:58:59.420 --> 07:59:01.060
And in the moment, you know, I'm like,

07:59:01.060 --> 07:59:02.820
I just lost my hardcore character.

07:59:02.820 --> 07:59:04.380
So I was just, I was a little mad.

07:59:04.380 --> 07:59:07.820
I was like, hmm, just don't ask questions.

07:59:07.820 --> 07:59:10.780
But like, it's a really powerful community moment

07:59:10.780 --> 07:59:12.220
when someone loses their character,

07:59:12.220 --> 07:59:13.660
because it hurts emotionally.

07:59:13.660 --> 07:59:15.300
I almost called out sick that day,

07:59:15.300 --> 07:59:18.420
because I was so upset.

07:59:18.420 --> 07:59:21.060
But the community rising up to support each other

07:59:21.060 --> 07:59:22.060
and to egg each other on,

07:59:22.060 --> 07:59:23.540
just say like, yeah, try again.

07:59:23.540 --> 07:59:24.980
Like, you know what I mean?

07:59:24.980 --> 07:59:28.140
I mean, like, you know, like be more careful next time.

07:59:28.140 --> 07:59:30.980
Maybe have your coffee before going into that bar.

07:59:30.980 --> 07:59:32.340
And I don't know.

07:59:32.340 --> 07:59:35.660
It really is a compelling, I think, moment.

07:59:35.660 --> 07:59:40.660
Now, that's probably a pretty good place

07:59:40.740 --> 07:59:45.740
to start thinking about what new fun and exciting things

07:59:45.980 --> 07:59:49.140
we have coming to wow forever hardcore.

07:59:49.140 --> 07:59:49.980
Okay?

07:59:49.980 --> 07:59:51.300
Yeah.

07:59:51.300 --> 07:59:56.100
So, we're really excited for when we get to hardcore

07:59:56.100 --> 07:59:57.220
at World Warcraft forever.

07:59:57.220 --> 07:59:59.780
We won't have it at launch, but soon.

07:59:59.780 --> 08:00:03.060
When we get to it, all these new systems and changes

08:00:03.060 --> 08:00:04.860
we've introduced and how they'll impact

08:00:04.860 --> 08:00:06.220
our hardcore experience.

08:00:06.220 --> 08:00:07.980
Because we know in hardcore you like to put in

08:00:07.980 --> 08:00:11.100
a lot of extra effort to make sure you're extra safe

08:00:11.100 --> 08:00:12.620
and not gonna die.

08:00:12.620 --> 08:00:14.980
So everything we've changed in trade skills,

08:00:14.980 --> 08:00:17.260
where there's new recipes, new things to craft,

08:00:17.260 --> 08:00:22.140
new consumables, better food, and all those things you can do to be better prepared and

08:00:22.140 --> 08:00:28.180
the extra effort you can put in, over 600 new crafting recipes to help you be better

08:00:28.180 --> 08:00:29.180
prepared.

08:00:29.180 --> 08:00:32.580
And the camping system, so you can get together your friends, get a few buffs, be a little

08:00:32.580 --> 08:00:36.740
bit more durable when you go into that cave together.

08:00:36.740 --> 08:00:41.420
And so there's a lot of opportunities for a whole new experience in the parkour and

08:00:41.420 --> 08:00:43.940
more dedication you can put into it.

08:00:43.940 --> 08:00:44.940
Really excited about that.

08:00:44.940 --> 08:00:49.260
Do you think the itemization changes that we've made could, you know, yeah?

08:00:49.260 --> 08:00:54.220
Yes, so much like, again, hundreds of new crafted items, better drops from dungeons.

08:00:54.220 --> 08:00:59.100
So maybe it's worth the risk to go in there and get those drops and help your journey.

08:01:00.300 --> 08:01:04.700
Silver elites that drop new items that they never dropped before, right? All kinds of new stuff to collect.

08:01:05.260 --> 08:01:11.980
Awesome. Well, I just realized, I skipped your story. Do you have a story to share about a death?

08:01:11.980 --> 08:01:13.980
I feel like I just made fun of Josh.

08:01:13.980 --> 08:01:15.780
I just kind of made fun of myself.

08:01:15.780 --> 08:01:17.140
I need to make fun of you, too.

08:01:17.140 --> 08:01:18.260
How many easy targets, it's OK.

08:01:18.260 --> 08:01:21.660
So I want to tell a story about my family

08:01:21.660 --> 08:01:23.860
and how much World of Warcraft hardcore

08:01:23.860 --> 08:01:25.820
means to one of my family members.

08:01:25.820 --> 08:01:29.620
So my younger sister is really into hardcore.

08:01:29.620 --> 08:01:31.060
She plays in the Fieste Villager.

08:01:31.060 --> 08:01:34.060
I believe the guild's called Phoenix that she's in.

08:01:34.060 --> 08:01:39.060
And she played World of Warcraft with my two nephews.

08:01:39.060 --> 08:01:42.240
They grew up with their uncle working at Blizzard,

08:01:42.240 --> 08:01:43.580
working on World of Warcraft,

08:01:43.580 --> 08:01:45.060
and absolutely worshiped the idea

08:01:45.060 --> 08:01:47.180
and desperately wanted to play the game.

08:01:47.180 --> 08:01:48.260
So when they got old enough,

08:01:48.260 --> 08:01:49.980
she let them play on her account

08:01:49.980 --> 08:01:51.780
and bought another computer

08:01:51.780 --> 08:01:53.740
and so that she could play with them

08:01:53.740 --> 08:01:55.140
with her older son, Sage.

08:01:55.140 --> 08:01:57.540
And eventually her younger son actually chuckled over

08:01:57.540 --> 08:02:02.260
her accounts, evenly named it after himself, Jeffrey.

08:02:02.260 --> 08:02:05.180
And Sage and Jeffrey played together

08:02:05.180 --> 08:02:07.380
and really had these great adventures

08:02:07.380 --> 08:02:08.220
amongst the three of them

08:02:08.220 --> 08:02:11.020
and a way they bonded together as a family.

08:02:12.420 --> 08:02:15.020
Unfortunate tragedy happened seven years ago

08:02:15.020 --> 08:02:17.560
and my nephew, Jeffrey, died.

08:02:17.560 --> 08:02:22.200
And since then, my sister reclaimed her accounts

08:02:22.200 --> 08:02:26.940
and logging into hardcore and playing in that community

08:02:26.940 --> 08:02:29.260
has become really important and special to her.

08:02:29.260 --> 08:02:30.700
Again, that's a tight knit community

08:02:30.700 --> 08:02:32.340
where everyone supports each other.

08:02:32.340 --> 08:02:33.780
When you die, it's go again.

08:02:33.780 --> 08:02:35.420
When you need help, yeah, come.

08:02:35.420 --> 08:02:37.860
We'll send some people over to help you get out of that cave.

08:02:37.860 --> 08:02:40.180
When you have trouble, there's somebody who can help you

08:02:40.180 --> 08:02:41.220
through a hard quest.

08:02:41.220 --> 08:02:43.580
People can give you gold and items to get restarted.

08:02:43.580 --> 08:02:47.020
It's such a welcoming and supportive community.

08:02:47.020 --> 08:02:50.620
And she gets strength and support and a little therapy

08:02:50.620 --> 08:02:53.620
and some joy and logs into the account

08:02:53.620 --> 08:02:55.740
with a name is still Jeffrey every day

08:02:55.740 --> 08:02:57.500
to feel close to her son.

08:02:57.500 --> 08:03:00.060
And it's just an amazing thing for our family.

08:03:00.060 --> 08:03:01.340
Well, that was tough.

08:03:01.340 --> 08:03:11.740
Well, I guess I'll have to make fun of you later.

08:03:11.740 --> 08:03:14.300
That was a heartwarming story.

08:03:14.300 --> 08:03:16.220
Thank you for sharing.

08:03:16.220 --> 08:03:23.280
Well, hardcore has all sorts of perils out in the open world.

08:03:23.280 --> 08:03:29.160
There are certain types of perils that are perhaps less, I don't know how I would describe

08:03:29.160 --> 08:03:33.080
a bit fun, fair feeling than others.

08:03:33.080 --> 08:03:35.480
Can you tell us a little bit about what I'm doing?

08:03:35.480 --> 08:03:39.000
Yes, so I'll tell you a story when I almost died

08:03:39.000 --> 08:03:41.040
as a illustration of this new principle.

08:03:41.040 --> 08:03:42.720
I actually haven't died in hardcore,

08:03:42.720 --> 08:03:44.880
but it'd be fair I stopped playing at level 50

08:03:44.880 --> 08:03:46.720
because Season of Discovery came out.

08:03:46.720 --> 08:03:47.800
Haven't been back yet.

08:03:47.800 --> 08:03:52.800
But my friend Sharif and I were playing a duo in Laqubadan.

08:03:52.880 --> 08:03:55.360
I was playing a mage, he was playing a paladin,

08:03:55.360 --> 08:03:56.360
and there's this quest called

08:03:56.360 --> 08:03:57.800
in defense of the king's lands.

08:03:57.800 --> 08:03:59.960
We are trying to go fight troggs.

08:03:59.960 --> 08:04:02.440
You're going higher and higher up into the hills,

08:04:02.440 --> 08:04:04.600
getting to riskier and riskier spots

08:04:04.600 --> 08:04:06.520
to find these troggs to complete the quest.

08:04:06.520 --> 08:04:07.960
So we're going up in the hills,

08:04:07.960 --> 08:04:10.680
and it was a Saturday morning, so it was super crowded.

08:04:10.680 --> 08:04:13.000
People everywhere, every single trogg in the place

08:04:13.000 --> 08:04:14.440
it's not like was dead.

08:04:14.440 --> 08:04:17.440
So we go further and further up looking for more troggs,

08:04:17.440 --> 08:04:22.160
and suddenly, some of the players around us disappeared.

08:04:22.160 --> 08:04:23.760
Some other new players appeared,

08:04:23.760 --> 08:04:27.200
and every single location where there could be troggs

08:04:27.200 --> 08:04:30.840
was fully respawned with every trod there could be.

08:04:30.840 --> 08:04:32.000
And we're right in the middle of it.

08:04:32.000 --> 08:04:34.720
And I just yell run over discord.

08:04:34.720 --> 08:04:36.320
So I'm running down the hill as fast as I can,

08:04:36.320 --> 08:04:38.840
but my tree's the pallet in, so he bubbled

08:04:38.840 --> 08:04:40.720
and he's taking his time.

08:04:40.720 --> 08:04:42.480
I'm running like crazy as a mage,

08:04:42.480 --> 08:04:43.760
jumping in the middle of a pack of trods

08:04:43.760 --> 08:04:45.240
and frosted over to lock him down,

08:04:45.240 --> 08:04:47.040
jump off a cliff, blink at the bottom,

08:04:47.040 --> 08:04:48.840
finally get away.

08:04:48.840 --> 08:04:51.280
And while that's a great story,

08:04:51.280 --> 08:04:54.000
we really don't like the experience that represents

08:04:54.000 --> 08:04:58.520
where because there are too many or too few players

08:04:58.520 --> 08:04:59.560
in the area where you are,

08:04:59.560 --> 08:05:02.040
we need to refresh the world around you.

08:05:02.040 --> 08:05:05.400
And when we do that refresh, suddenly creatures respawn.

08:05:05.400 --> 08:05:08.400
Our creatures are there that weren't there before.

08:05:08.400 --> 08:05:09.880
So we've added a new feature

08:05:09.880 --> 08:05:13.480
that we wanted to get into World of Work Forever,

08:05:13.480 --> 08:05:15.880
specifically for Hardcore.

08:05:15.880 --> 08:05:18.680
You'll have it in the whole game, but it's for Hardcore.

08:05:18.680 --> 08:05:22.400
When we need to do that world refresh around you,

08:05:22.400 --> 08:05:25.560
A new UI will pop up and give you a warning.

08:05:25.560 --> 08:05:29.000
Say, OK, in three minutes, two minutes 59, two minutes 58,

08:05:29.000 --> 08:05:32.440
et cetera, we're going to refresh the world around you,

08:05:32.440 --> 08:05:35.160
get to somewhere safe.

08:05:35.160 --> 08:05:37.640
And there's a button you can push to say, I'm somewhere safe.

08:05:37.640 --> 08:05:38.320
It's good.

08:05:38.320 --> 08:05:40.120
Go ahead and move me now.

08:05:40.120 --> 08:05:43.280
So no more are you going to lose your characters

08:05:43.280 --> 08:05:46.200
to this sudden change of the world around you.

08:05:46.200 --> 08:05:49.320
And the game will feel a lot more fair.

08:05:49.320 --> 08:05:50.000
Awesome.

08:05:50.000 --> 08:05:52.440
Shout out to our engineer, Daniel Schneider,

08:05:52.440 --> 08:05:54.400
for working on that system.

08:05:54.400 --> 08:05:56.840
I can't wait for you guys to check it out.

08:05:56.840 --> 08:05:59.680
Again, beta this Thursday.

08:05:59.680 --> 08:06:02.000
Hope to see you all there, at least for non-hardcore.

08:06:02.000 --> 08:06:04.720
But you could, I guess, impose your own hardcore rules

08:06:04.720 --> 08:06:06.960
if you wanted to have a little bit of fun,

08:06:06.960 --> 08:06:09.500
a little bit of the player-imposed hardcore.

08:06:10.480 --> 08:06:11.320
Yeah.

08:06:11.320 --> 08:06:12.360
We will be testing that system in the beta.

08:06:12.360 --> 08:06:14.360
Yep, yeah, absolutely, yeah.

08:06:15.360 --> 08:06:17.880
Well, are there any other interesting,

08:06:17.880 --> 08:06:24.440
compelling differences that players can expect in WoW forever that they may not have had in

08:06:25.080 --> 08:06:30.520
regular hardcore. So this is mentioned on another panel earlier today but it's worth repeating here.

08:06:31.720 --> 08:06:36.600
In the past, when you died in hardcore, your only choice was to transfer to PDE.

08:06:37.880 --> 08:06:45.400
Now, when you die in hardcore, you can transfer to PDE, normal or RP ruleset. So we know people

08:06:45.400 --> 08:06:49.280
We know people like that tension in the world.

08:06:49.280 --> 08:06:51.440
That's part of what makes hard core so fun

08:06:51.440 --> 08:06:53.720
is having to pay attention all the time

08:06:53.720 --> 08:06:56.160
and that tension is maintained when they go to PDP.

08:06:56.160 --> 08:06:58.840
A lot of players get excited to do that.

08:06:58.840 --> 08:07:02.400
We've got this new world, this unsolved game

08:07:02.400 --> 08:07:05.280
we've been talking about, new talents, new ability,

08:07:05.280 --> 08:07:07.960
new items, new trade skills, so much new stuff

08:07:07.960 --> 08:07:09.640
if we're in New Zealand, new quest.

08:07:09.640 --> 08:07:12.760
So it's a problem to solve all over again.

08:07:12.760 --> 08:07:14.720
So your old routes to go through the world

08:07:14.720 --> 08:07:16.600
aren't necessarily going to be the best,

08:07:16.600 --> 08:07:19.160
even the right ones to follow.

08:07:19.160 --> 08:07:22.360
There are new rare spawns all over the world

08:07:22.360 --> 08:07:24.680
that have items that only drop up those rare spawns.

08:07:24.680 --> 08:07:27.280
There's new world drops, things to craft,

08:07:27.280 --> 08:07:31.280
the camping system to help you get to buffs,

08:07:31.280 --> 08:07:34.280
to help each other and work together in camps.

08:07:34.280 --> 08:07:35.640
And one thing I'm really excited about

08:07:35.640 --> 08:07:39.200
is the application of the legacy system to Hardcore.

08:07:39.200 --> 08:07:42.920
So you're playing Hardcore and maybe you get to level 2060,

08:07:42.920 --> 08:07:43.760
you die.

08:07:43.760 --> 08:07:45.880
Okay, I lost everything, that's sad.

08:07:45.880 --> 08:07:48.080
But now, you're in a legacy point

08:07:48.080 --> 08:07:50.140
when you get to 25 on that class.

08:07:50.140 --> 08:07:52.920
So your next run is just a little bit better.

08:07:52.920 --> 08:07:55.120
Maybe you get a little bit more rest XP.

08:07:55.120 --> 08:07:57.120
Maybe you pick a little bit more resources

08:07:57.120 --> 08:07:59.200
from your urban mineral nodes.

08:07:59.200 --> 08:08:01.920
And so we start to tap into the gameplay you see

08:08:01.920 --> 08:08:04.320
in roguelike games, which I love a lot.

08:08:04.320 --> 08:08:07.720
Where you didn't quite make it to the surface this time,

08:08:07.720 --> 08:08:09.440
but you'll be better for the next time and do more.

08:08:09.440 --> 08:08:12.040
So a legacy system opens up that opportunity

08:08:12.040 --> 08:08:16.040
for progression, even when you don't make it to level 16.

08:08:16.040 --> 08:08:19.200
I love how the legacy system sort of allows you to,

08:08:19.200 --> 08:08:21.440
I don't know, re-experience that journey,

08:08:21.440 --> 08:08:24.000
even, I mean, in hardcore and non-hardcore,

08:08:24.000 --> 08:08:26.460
because depending on how many points you earn,

08:08:26.460 --> 08:08:28.520
where you're spending them,

08:08:28.520 --> 08:08:30.040
things could be a little bit different, right?

08:08:30.040 --> 08:08:32.640
It might make it a little bit easier on you, right?

08:08:32.640 --> 08:08:33.480
Right.

08:08:33.480 --> 08:08:35.520
How does it work, again, with the transferring

08:08:35.520 --> 08:08:38.120
between hardcore and other rule sets,

08:08:38.120 --> 08:08:39.280
those legacy system points?

08:08:39.280 --> 08:08:43.320
So Anna talked about this this morning,

08:08:43.320 --> 08:08:47.400
but the legacy points you earn outside of Hardcore,

08:08:47.400 --> 08:08:49.640
in fact, all of your collections outside of Hardcore,

08:08:49.640 --> 08:08:52.080
mounts, pets, legacy points,

08:08:52.080 --> 08:08:54.880
all that do not transfer into Hardcore.

08:08:54.880 --> 08:08:57.880
So Hardcore gets its maintenance, pristine progression,

08:08:57.880 --> 08:08:59.000
separate from the rest of the game.

08:08:59.000 --> 08:09:00.320
But if you earn them in Hardcore,

08:09:00.320 --> 08:09:01.860
they do go to the others.

08:09:01.860 --> 08:09:04.280
So you can transfer with them and bring them with you

08:09:04.280 --> 08:09:05.720
when you inevitably die.

08:09:05.720 --> 08:09:12.000
Yeah, that's pretty inevitable in hardcore.

08:09:12.000 --> 08:09:15.640
I love the little screen captured on the graphic.

08:09:15.640 --> 08:09:25.240
Another thing, Chris, too, is if you look at the legacy trees, there's a PvP one.

08:09:25.240 --> 08:09:26.920
What happens in hardcore?

08:09:26.920 --> 08:09:27.920
Right.

08:09:27.920 --> 08:09:33.120
So there's a bunch of legacy challenges about PvP, and you can't really do PvP in hardcore.

08:09:33.120 --> 08:09:38.480
So what we are planning on doing when hardcore launches is there are a bunch of hardcore

08:09:38.480 --> 08:09:42.760
specific legacy challenges to do.

08:09:42.760 --> 08:09:47.520
And we're thinking about even more expansion to that system in the future of hardcore where

08:09:47.520 --> 08:09:52.760
we add new challenges and new ways to get perks that are hardcore specific.

08:09:52.760 --> 08:10:06.720
Well, we love hardcore a lot. It sounds like you guys do too. What else haven't we covered

08:10:06.720 --> 08:10:13.100
that we should talk about or should share? What interesting tidbits do we want to share?

08:10:13.100 --> 08:10:18.240
I think one of the things that I'm most excited about with Wow Forever Hardcore is, you know,

08:10:18.240 --> 08:10:23.920
of the skill expression of hardcore is knowing the world and knowing what quests are deadly,

08:10:23.920 --> 08:10:29.440
what caves are deadly, what every cave is deadly, but you know what I mean.

08:10:29.440 --> 08:10:34.720
And while forever, we're going to continue to make content at all level ranges.

08:10:34.720 --> 08:10:37.400
It's not just low level content.

08:10:37.400 --> 08:10:41.480
And so for those who really want to kind of challenge themselves, we're going to have

08:10:41.480 --> 08:10:47.280
lots of new content coming over update after update after update, and you'll have maybe

08:10:47.280 --> 08:10:52.400
different routes or different ways to go for those who are kind of enterprising and you

08:10:52.400 --> 08:10:58.320
get to have even more skill expression of learning the optimal ways to level through

08:10:58.320 --> 08:11:04.520
the river glades and what is dangerous and what isn't and creating like anything can

08:11:04.520 --> 08:11:09.960
get stale if you do it long enough and if you get a certain level of mastery.

08:11:09.960 --> 08:11:16.480
So being able to continue to add to opportunities to achieve mastery is a good thing and that's

08:11:16.480 --> 08:11:19.360
something that we're super excited about with WoW Forever.

08:11:19.360 --> 08:11:22.660
We kind of have this commitment to continue to add content

08:11:22.660 --> 08:11:25.120
at all different level ranges.

08:11:25.120 --> 08:11:26.840
It's really an opportunity for you

08:11:26.840 --> 08:11:30.080
to develop a new mastery of the game.

08:11:30.080 --> 08:11:33.040
We play hardcore to show what you know, what you've learned,

08:11:33.040 --> 08:11:35.440
how much, how good you are at World of Warcraft,

08:11:35.440 --> 08:11:38.720
you know where this quest is, where this monster patrols.

08:11:38.720 --> 08:11:41.600
And now there's new things to master,

08:11:41.600 --> 08:11:45.280
instead of just what we have from 22 years ago.

08:11:45.280 --> 08:11:45.880
That sounds good.

08:11:45.880 --> 08:11:49.760
So it's an unsolved game now with Wild Forever.

08:11:49.760 --> 08:11:53.920
I'm particularly excited about the hardcore community.

08:11:53.920 --> 08:11:56.240
Anytime I've jumped in, I've found players

08:11:56.240 --> 08:11:59.720
who are helpful, kind, encouraging,

08:11:59.720 --> 08:12:03.560
willing to help me out, help me survive, really.

08:12:03.560 --> 08:12:07.920
And I've had a blast in the hardcore classic,

08:12:07.920 --> 08:12:09.600
just jumping in with my friends.

08:12:09.600 --> 08:12:12.560
Shout out to Oath to Order if you're watching this right now.

08:12:12.560 --> 08:12:14.960
I also joined up with a fun little build called

08:12:14.960 --> 08:12:18.440
H.C. cuties and they were very fun and wholesome.

08:12:18.440 --> 08:12:20.940
Oh, there's some of them.

08:12:20.940 --> 08:12:23.180
Yeah, I'm just an amazing community

08:12:23.180 --> 08:12:26.300
and I really look forward to jumping in there again,

08:12:26.300 --> 08:12:29.940
making new friends, perhaps some of you in the crowd

08:12:29.940 --> 08:12:33.100
and you know, just, I don't know, hopefully surviving,

08:12:33.100 --> 08:12:35.300
hopefully not going into a barn,

08:12:35.300 --> 08:12:37.460
jumping off of a cliff, forgetting my bubble.

08:12:37.460 --> 08:12:38.980
Just bring a friend when you go in the barn.

08:12:38.980 --> 08:12:39.820
Yeah.

08:12:39.820 --> 08:12:41.100
It's just a different kind of cave.

08:12:41.100 --> 08:12:44.100
You mind if I give one tent tiny little tease?

08:12:44.100 --> 08:12:49.100
But jeez, yeah, so we haven't forgotten about Makaraw.

08:12:49.820 --> 08:12:50.660
Yeah.

08:12:50.660 --> 08:12:51.500
Yeah.

08:12:53.020 --> 08:12:56.340
You know, obviously Makaraw has been a,

08:12:57.620 --> 08:13:00.780
I would say unexpectedly popular part of hardcore,

08:13:00.780 --> 08:13:03.780
but I think we can all appreciate a good duel to the death.

08:13:04.900 --> 08:13:07.020
And you know, something that has been asked of us

08:13:07.020 --> 08:13:08.500
for a really long time is like,

08:13:08.500 --> 08:13:13.500
what if we had a dedicated space for Makaraw contests?

08:13:14.100 --> 08:13:21.100
could be kind of cool, could be something we're working on for a future update, maybe, maybe.

08:13:21.100 --> 08:13:24.100
There you go.

08:13:27.100 --> 08:13:33.100
Well, that was completely off script. I might get in trouble for that later.

08:13:33.100 --> 08:13:40.100
That feels like a pretty good place to wrap things up.

08:13:40.100 --> 08:13:44.660
I just want to say thank you everyone for taking this journey with us.

08:13:44.660 --> 08:13:48.900
Thank you for even just today, just letting us kind of walk through memory lane,

08:13:48.900 --> 08:13:53.700
share a couple tidbits about what we're excited to encounter in WoW Forever Hardcore.

08:13:54.580 --> 08:13:59.620
If you are, you know, watching this from home also, obviously thank you again.

08:13:59.620 --> 08:14:05.620
If you're here in person, however, please consider sticking around for the Arena World

08:14:05.620 --> 08:14:12.620
Championship Brand Finals right after this.

08:14:23.060 --> 08:14:25.900
Les Con is brought to you by

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NVIDIA GeForce RTX Game Changer.

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I

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Between the well-worn pages of the history we know, by the stories we haven't heard.

08:16:33.860 --> 08:16:52.860
Countless adventures, untold, from the time when it all began, through the hidden paths in ancient forests, above and beyond familiar peaks, your journey awaits.

08:16:52.860 --> 08:17:00.860
Let the drums of war thunder forever.

08:18:33.860 --> 08:19:02.660
BlizzCon is brought to you by MSI.

08:19:02.660 --> 08:19:08.660
Take the next step in upgrading your visual experience with MSI's QD OLED monitors.

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Here and now, champions are made!

08:19:27.460 --> 08:19:33.820
This is the BlizzCon 2026 Arena World Championship Grand Finals.

08:19:33.820 --> 08:19:38.460
The entire day has led to this and as the trophies shine on the stage, our teams are

08:19:38.460 --> 08:19:40.600
looking to do exactly the same.

08:19:40.600 --> 08:19:46.780
Echo and Gators back our top contenders, bringing the rivalry between NA and EU to an explosive

08:19:46.780 --> 08:19:48.980
ad here at BlizzCon.

08:19:48.980 --> 08:19:51.780
This is going to be one for the history books, Ziko.

08:19:51.780 --> 08:19:52.780
Absolutely.

08:19:52.780 --> 08:19:56.220
The crowd in here is electric.

08:19:56.220 --> 08:19:57.220
Everybody's excited.

08:19:57.220 --> 08:20:10.020
It's EU, it's NA, it's the top two teams in each region, finally facing off here for $120,000 just for this game.

08:20:10.020 --> 08:20:20.020
Just this one game, the $300,000 prize pool, so much of it comes down to this and of course the glory of being a champion here live at BlizzCon.

08:20:20.020 --> 08:20:22.820
Everybody, are you ready for the finals?

08:20:22.820 --> 08:20:31.960
You know, we hadn't even started yet, but already the audience was going wild and we

08:20:31.960 --> 08:20:36.600
have been through a journey today from beginning to end here at the Grand Finals where we have

08:20:36.600 --> 08:20:39.700
had Echo and Gators back make it to the finish line.

08:20:39.700 --> 08:20:41.720
Then how has the day played out?

08:20:41.720 --> 08:20:46.720
I mean both Gators back as well as Echo has kind of had to wait a little bit at the beginning

08:20:46.720 --> 08:20:47.720
of the day.

08:20:47.720 --> 08:20:51.680
We saw after year go head to head against Gilveen, Streamer zone going up against One

08:20:51.680 --> 08:20:56.200
Loone travel, but now with Gators back to feeding streamers on an echo to feeding guilty

08:20:56.360 --> 08:21:01.600
We have the number one seed in Europe going head-to-head against the number one seed in North America

08:21:01.600 --> 08:21:04.520
And I feel like this is going to be an amazing finals

08:21:04.520 --> 08:21:08.800
It is I mean listen the Gators are already prowling in the crowd

08:21:08.800 --> 08:21:11.440
You can see them ready to bring down echo

08:21:11.440 --> 08:21:17.560
But echo certainly has something to say about that now speaking of our very first team echo is a name

08:21:17.560 --> 08:21:20.440
I'm sure everybody familiar with the AWC knows

08:21:20.440 --> 08:21:25.420
but super I mean what is the legacy this team has brought I mean I think it's

08:21:25.420 --> 08:21:29.540
the duo it's was it's right to it's that rogue mage synergy between them it's

08:21:29.540 --> 08:21:32.380
just been almost a decade I think of them it feels like at this point

08:21:32.380 --> 08:21:36.580
competing together they brought JT and Mercy which are some new blood to the

08:21:36.580 --> 08:21:40.380
roster but maybe that's what they needed to mix things up is to introduce some new

08:21:40.380 --> 08:21:45.100
blood into the water here of echoing mercy at a nominal series earlier on

08:21:45.100 --> 08:21:49.220
today such a tactician on that warlock but it's really for me it's about was

08:21:49.220 --> 08:21:55.020
It's about Ryke who it's about that synergy and this is going to be another level of competition that the gators back me

08:21:55.020 --> 08:21:59.340
Be ready for it. I mean definitely and they can't rest easy because gators back

08:21:59.340 --> 08:22:05.480
I mean they came out of a 3. Oh there in this last series, but echo is definitely gonna have something to say about it

08:22:05.480 --> 08:22:10.060
That yeah, I had an opportunity to speak with a was and on his stream

08:22:10.060 --> 08:22:13.900
He has so many gold medals from all the championships that he's won

08:22:13.900 --> 08:22:16.600
He told me that he uses the silver medals as door stops

08:22:16.600 --> 08:22:22.600
What a bragging point that you can just bring out to people like, oh yeah, I want so many golds.

08:22:22.600 --> 08:22:26.600
I don't even need to use my silvers for anything that's that important, you know?

08:22:26.600 --> 08:22:31.600
And then we can take a look at the gameplay that backs up what Echo is able to do.

08:22:31.600 --> 08:22:34.600
Supa, what just makes them such a powerhouse?

08:22:34.600 --> 08:22:38.600
It's adaptability. It's just being able to turn from offense to defense on a dime

08:22:38.600 --> 08:22:41.600
and to be able to take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way like this one.

08:22:41.600 --> 08:22:43.600
They were losing this game. They were heavily behind.

08:22:43.600 --> 08:22:46.080
heavily behind, they saw Lontar in the middle of the map

08:22:46.080 --> 08:22:48.480
and clutched him out in game number one.

08:22:48.480 --> 08:22:49.720
It was phenomenal.

08:22:49.720 --> 08:22:51.640
And then obviously, head to head here with Gil Jean

08:22:51.640 --> 08:22:53.680
and Ekko facing that retribution pattern

08:22:53.680 --> 08:22:56.440
and that warrior, such a challenging composition for them

08:22:56.440 --> 08:22:57.960
to be able to get through defensively,

08:22:57.960 --> 08:23:00.440
but they navigated it so expertly,

08:23:00.440 --> 08:23:01.960
just continuing to chain crowd control,

08:23:01.960 --> 08:23:04.000
continuing to chain their pressure.

08:23:04.000 --> 08:23:06.360
It was a phenomenal match from them throughout,

08:23:06.360 --> 08:23:08.960
despite close call after close call.

08:23:08.960 --> 08:23:10.640
Ekko has been a dominant force

08:23:10.640 --> 08:23:12.360
that looking more than warmed up

08:23:12.360 --> 08:23:20.120
ready to go and they were able to topple the Zpie almost effortlessly throughout that match and then in the final round here to secure

08:23:20.120 --> 08:23:26.760
the match win against Kageel Bean, they were able to clutch it out with huge pressure, smoke bombs and big plays against them and even

08:23:26.760 --> 08:23:33.640
despite Maro throwing that marksmanship hunter at them, they were more than ready. Mercy just adapted to it and if Echo is adaptable,

08:23:33.640 --> 08:23:36.140
they may very well be unstoppable.

08:23:36.140 --> 08:23:42.440
I mean, absolutely this core player group of echo particularly was right. Who is one of the longest standing partnerships?

08:23:42.440 --> 08:23:46.020
I think in the AWC it's such a strong core for the team

08:23:46.020 --> 08:23:53.520
But honestly when we get to competition, especially that crosses the EU and a worldwide CN as we saw with our teams as well

08:23:53.520 --> 08:23:58.020
This worldwide divide you can't always rest easy knowing. Hey, we're the best

08:23:58.420 --> 08:24:05.080
But what if a different region decides to overtake us and I mean that gap at the top is getting closer than ever Ziko

08:24:05.080 --> 08:24:11.600
Absolutely, I mean we saw it in both regions echo normally. They have a pretty smooth easy time

08:24:12.400 --> 08:24:16.840
You know usually they're up here and the next team is like

08:24:17.280 --> 08:24:19.980
Here and then all the other teams are very close to that

08:24:19.980 --> 08:24:25.920
So there's usually a big gap there and that gap has been completely bridged in EU and we saw the same thing in North America

08:24:26.480 --> 08:24:32.680
Welcome to the jump dominating the entire like the last I don't know how many years all of a sudden now

08:24:32.680 --> 08:24:36.380
Now there's Gators back, now there's F tier, now there is, you know, Dire Wolves, a lot

08:24:36.380 --> 08:24:40.360
of teams that have been testing them and welcome to the jungle even making here.

08:24:40.360 --> 08:24:44.960
So in NA it's been the most competitive season ever and I think in Europe as well.

08:24:44.960 --> 08:24:48.200
So we're really getting the best of the best today.

08:24:48.200 --> 08:24:51.240
It's such a good match up here at the end, but of course we have to talk about their

08:24:51.240 --> 08:24:53.560
competition and Gators back as well.

08:24:53.560 --> 08:24:57.720
I mean, then we just saw them dominate in this recent series.

08:24:57.720 --> 08:25:00.440
Yeah, this team is on fire.

08:25:00.440 --> 08:25:04.040
I think a lot of people here today were expecting big things from this roster,

08:25:04.040 --> 08:25:08.240
but you're never really sure when a team showcases here at BlizzCon.

08:25:08.240 --> 08:25:09.120
There's a lot on the line.

08:25:09.120 --> 08:25:12.480
The stakes are high, but this team performed at an incredibly high level.

08:25:12.480 --> 08:25:16.160
And I would say Echo watching those games has got to be feeling a little bit afraid.

08:25:16.440 --> 08:25:21.400
See WizK there with Calvish, Daze and Cubsi, a phenomenal roster.

08:25:21.400 --> 08:25:24.080
Calvish, I know him kind of as a rogue.

08:25:24.080 --> 08:25:26.760
He was one of the best rogues in North America, now playing mage

08:25:26.960 --> 08:25:28.760
at the absolutely highest level.

08:25:28.760 --> 08:25:32.880
So even Morrow, one of the best, most accomplished majors in the entire game, says he is the

08:25:32.880 --> 08:25:36.880
best mage, which I mean, that is high praise from someone like Morrow.

08:25:36.880 --> 08:25:41.720
You have dazed on the road, WizK on likely a shadow priest, but I think kind of in that

08:25:41.720 --> 08:25:46.520
cultural lately, but he is one of the smartest World of Warcraft players I've ever met.

08:25:46.520 --> 08:25:49.880
So if you're going to have someone as a fourth on your team, WizK is definitely the person

08:25:49.880 --> 08:25:50.880
you want on your corner.

08:25:50.880 --> 08:25:51.880
Absolutely.

08:25:51.880 --> 08:25:54.040
I mean, this team is so strong and so aggressive super.

08:25:54.040 --> 08:25:55.600
We see some of their gameplay here.

08:25:55.600 --> 08:25:58.560
What do you think really characterizes Gators back?

08:25:58.560 --> 08:26:07.960
constant crowd control. Cubs is MVP, just chaining crowd control, millisecond punishes, and just immediate opportunities get taken advantage of by them.

08:26:07.960 --> 08:26:14.860
And they were able to take out Streamerzone so rapidly. Streamerzone is a team that has beaten Echo in championships online.

08:26:14.860 --> 08:26:23.760
So to be able to just dismantle them, not even two minutes into a game consistently and constantly keep your pressure up throughout the entire season, it was just completely remarkable.

08:26:23.760 --> 08:26:27.200
I could not believe it. It was unbelievable. I'm just sitting here watching North America

08:26:27.200 --> 08:26:33.600
to dominate streamer zone match after match after match or just not giving them any room to breathe. I

08:26:34.120 --> 08:26:36.560
Mean and I really did look so strong

08:26:36.560 --> 08:26:42.600
But I mean Ziko you're kind of represented a bit over here with EU. I mean you think this is time NA is gonna make EU fall

08:26:42.600 --> 08:26:47.500
Oh, are we putting me on this spot here for predictions or what's going on here?

08:26:47.500 --> 08:26:51.240
You can still keep it generic, but you know, this is just a strong team coming from NA

08:26:51.240 --> 08:26:53.960
It seems like it's really shaken up the EU competitors.

08:26:53.960 --> 08:26:56.240
Absolutely. I mean, I'm gonna be honest.

08:26:56.240 --> 08:26:59.240
I was thinking like, okay, Streamerzone,

08:26:59.240 --> 08:27:02.240
they might just make this an all EU affair,

08:27:02.240 --> 08:27:05.240
but they completely destroyed it.

08:27:05.240 --> 08:27:07.240
So now I'm like, well, you know what?

08:27:07.240 --> 08:27:09.240
Maybe this is NAZ year.

08:27:09.240 --> 08:27:11.240
Maybe it is time for a new champion.

08:27:11.240 --> 08:27:12.240
Maybe. Who knows?

08:27:12.240 --> 08:27:17.240
Both teams so far looking absolutely unshakable,

08:27:17.240 --> 08:27:20.240
but when they clash, I don't know what's gonna happen.

08:27:20.240 --> 08:27:25.300
up. Well, Zika, you brought up predictions. So why not do them? You know, then I started

08:27:25.300 --> 08:27:29.840
with you last time. I put you on the spot this time. Yes. All you super. Give us your

08:27:29.840 --> 08:27:33.480
predictions first. I mean, I don't think I'm going to do it. I don't think I'm going to

08:27:33.480 --> 08:27:37.760
bet against the Gators right now. They are just looking so phenomenal. I think the Gators,

08:27:37.760 --> 08:27:40.920
they're going to take this. It's going to be four to three. It's going to be closed.

08:27:40.920 --> 08:27:45.400
It's going to be a bloodbath. These are the best teams in the world going head to head.

08:27:45.400 --> 08:27:48.920
The first time in seven years, we've been able to get this at a live event between North

08:27:48.920 --> 08:27:52.640
America and Europe, they're looking polished, they're looking fine, and they are ready to

08:27:52.640 --> 08:27:55.000
dive in, but I'm leaning the Gators back.

08:27:55.000 --> 08:27:56.000
Okay, Gators back.

08:27:56.000 --> 08:27:58.560
Now, Ziko, you were talking a little bit about NAEU.

08:27:58.560 --> 08:28:02.440
Where are you going to end up?

08:28:02.440 --> 08:28:04.600
It's a tough one.

08:28:04.600 --> 08:28:05.600
It's a tough one.

08:28:05.600 --> 08:28:11.080
My heart is telling me I got to go with my voice over on ankle, but my brain is telling

08:28:11.080 --> 08:28:13.600
me a little bit more towards the Gators.

08:28:13.600 --> 08:28:17.160
And there's one thing I've learned in life is to never trust my heart with anything.

08:28:17.160 --> 08:28:20.920
So I'm going with the Gators.

08:28:20.920 --> 08:28:22.160
Sorry, so you're going to go with your head,

08:28:22.160 --> 08:28:22.840
that is what you're saying.

08:28:22.840 --> 08:28:23.640
Yes, exactly.

08:28:23.640 --> 08:28:24.480
I'm going with the Gators.

08:28:24.480 --> 08:28:26.680
I think it's going to be close though, 4-3.

08:28:26.680 --> 08:28:27.560
OK, 4-3.

08:28:27.560 --> 08:28:28.320
All right, then.

08:28:28.320 --> 08:28:29.320
I saved you for last.

08:28:29.320 --> 08:28:29.800
Are you ready?

08:28:29.800 --> 08:28:30.760
Do you have your predictions?

08:28:30.760 --> 08:28:33.400
Well, when we do predictions on these cups,

08:28:33.400 --> 08:28:36.160
I feel like these two teams are always a safe bet.

08:28:36.160 --> 08:28:37.080
You know what I mean?

08:28:37.080 --> 08:28:38.320
If you want to go with the Gators,

08:28:38.320 --> 08:28:40.480
if you're wanting to win in North America,

08:28:40.480 --> 08:28:41.600
you're going to go with Gators.

08:28:41.600 --> 08:28:43.240
If you want to win in Europe, you're going to go with Echo.

08:28:43.240 --> 08:28:44.800
So now that they're going head to head,

08:28:44.800 --> 08:28:47.080
I mean, this is a really difficult one to predict.

08:28:47.080 --> 08:28:49.640
But I can't go against the Gators.

08:28:49.640 --> 08:28:51.160
I'm just feeling the hype.

08:28:51.160 --> 08:28:52.600
I think the Gators are going to walk away

08:28:52.600 --> 08:28:54.720
in a very close series, four to three.

08:28:54.720 --> 08:28:57.480
OK, for the third time today, you

08:28:57.480 --> 08:28:59.400
have all made me the one that has to decide

08:28:59.400 --> 08:29:02.040
if we're a unified desk or not.

08:29:02.040 --> 08:29:03.160
Sorry about that.

08:29:03.160 --> 08:29:03.640
Oh, it's OK.

08:29:03.640 --> 08:29:04.200
You know what?

08:29:04.200 --> 08:29:07.280
I've been putting you all in the spot, so it's only fair.

08:29:07.280 --> 08:29:09.120
I'm going to have to represent Echo.

08:29:09.120 --> 08:29:10.600
Because, look, Gators back.

08:29:10.600 --> 08:29:11.880
I want to cheer for NA.

08:29:11.880 --> 08:29:12.320
I do.

08:29:12.320 --> 08:29:12.920
Trust me.

08:29:12.920 --> 08:29:15.920
They've been such a powerhouse, but Echo, their legacy

08:29:15.920 --> 08:29:18.960
really cannot be argued with and they are so strong.

08:29:18.960 --> 08:29:21.000
We've still seen them be strong regardless,

08:29:21.000 --> 08:29:22.760
and I know that they have an answer to this.

08:29:22.760 --> 08:29:23.840
So I'm going to say Echo,

08:29:23.840 --> 08:29:26.400
but I am going to keep it kind of in line with what we've been saying.

08:29:26.400 --> 08:29:27.840
Since the best of seven,

08:29:27.840 --> 08:29:29.840
I'm going to do 4-3 towards Echo.

08:29:29.840 --> 08:29:35.360
No matter what, I think we can all agree that this is going to be a wildly close game,

08:29:35.360 --> 08:29:39.360
and we need to bring our teams out here now so we can see for ourselves just how close it'll be.

08:29:39.360 --> 08:29:42.400
Aya, can we welcome them all to the stage?

08:29:42.400 --> 08:29:46.400
We sure can look. Are you guys ready for our grand finals?

08:29:46.400 --> 08:29:53.400
These are the best World of Warcraft players in the world,

08:29:53.400 --> 08:29:55.400
and it's all coming to a head right here.

08:29:55.400 --> 08:29:57.400
NA versus EU.

08:29:57.400 --> 08:30:02.400
Tale as old as time. It has been so many years since we've had this moment,

08:30:02.400 --> 08:30:08.400
so I'm so excited to introduce our two teams for our AWC BlizzCon 2026 grand finals.

08:30:08.400 --> 08:30:11.400
Please welcome Gators back.

08:30:11.400 --> 08:30:36.720
Calvish, Wiz-K, Cubsie, and Dave.

08:30:36.720 --> 08:30:43.720
the way from our European region please welcome Echo!

08:30:43.720 --> 08:30:57.720
Waz, Reku, JT, and Mercy!

08:30:57.720 --> 08:31:21.600
and we can all feel it these two teams are ready to face off this entire year has brought

08:31:21.600 --> 08:31:27.760
them to this point to determine who in NA and EU is truly the best when compared to the world.

08:31:27.760 --> 08:31:32.480
This is going to be a phenomenal matchup and we are going to have this first game coming in. Now

08:31:32.480 --> 08:31:37.600
we've talked a bit about NA versus EU. Do you kind of lean more into this comp where you're relying

08:31:37.600 --> 08:31:43.040
on the clock dragging out or do you go in aggressive? These are two very different play styles Ziko,

08:31:43.040 --> 08:31:46.880
but do you think Echo with their flexibility, are they going to be caught off guard by NA?

08:31:47.440 --> 08:31:51.040
I don't think we're going to see any flexibility right now from either one of these squads. I

08:31:51.040 --> 08:31:54.720
I think we're going road mage, druid mirrors all the way.

08:31:54.720 --> 08:31:57.600
Both teams are gonna just put their best foot forward

08:31:57.600 --> 08:32:00.600
and just try to be as good as possible.

08:32:00.600 --> 08:32:03.600
And they both look like the best R&D teams in their regions.

08:32:03.600 --> 08:32:06.520
So I think that's what it's gonna come down to.

08:32:06.520 --> 08:32:08.280
And I don't know who's gonna take it.

08:32:08.280 --> 08:32:09.280
It's so hard.

08:32:09.280 --> 08:32:11.480
I can feel the tension in the air right now.

08:32:11.480 --> 08:32:13.080
I just wanna get into game.

08:32:13.080 --> 08:32:15.760
I know, right, especially to see those trophies on the stage.

08:32:15.760 --> 08:32:18.960
There's that reminder that champions are yet to be crowned

08:32:18.960 --> 08:32:20.640
and that these trophies have to end up

08:32:20.640 --> 08:32:23.400
in one of these teams' hands by the end of all of this.

08:32:23.400 --> 08:32:25.880
But can there be an answer to this aggression?

08:32:25.880 --> 08:32:28.160
Do you think Echo can sustain through that initial push

08:32:28.160 --> 08:32:30.240
that Gatorsback is known for, Supa?

08:32:30.240 --> 08:32:32.160
We'll have to see, are they going to play defensively?

08:32:32.160 --> 08:32:34.560
Are they going to target the rogue similarly to Streamerzone?

08:32:34.560 --> 08:32:36.680
Are they going to learn the lesson that Streamerzone had

08:32:36.680 --> 08:32:39.440
to learn the hard way, which is getting completely dominated

08:32:39.440 --> 08:32:40.520
by aggression?

08:32:40.520 --> 08:32:42.480
I think that was Raikou, who are fully capable of it.

08:32:42.480 --> 08:32:45.440
But Raikou does tend to want to focus on doing more damage

08:32:45.440 --> 08:32:47.520
than the other mage, dragging the game on a little bit.

08:32:47.520 --> 08:32:49.280
So whereas Calvish wants to be flashy,

08:32:49.280 --> 08:32:50.440
he wants to get in there.

08:32:50.440 --> 08:32:54.740
He wants to be the playmaker and we'll see which strategy ends up being better.

08:32:54.740 --> 08:32:56.440
I think ultimately here, absolutely.

08:32:56.440 --> 08:32:59.740
And you know, both of these teams have some incredible players, but we have highlighted

08:32:59.740 --> 08:33:03.600
a bit was particularly this rogue legend who has nothing left to prove, but somehow keeps

08:33:03.600 --> 08:33:06.040
finding ways to add to his legacy.

08:33:06.040 --> 08:33:09.360
I mean, then do you think there will be key players on either side that are going to really

08:33:09.360 --> 08:33:10.360
turn the time?

08:33:10.360 --> 08:33:14.160
I mean, this is just about these rosters are just absolute all stars.

08:33:14.160 --> 08:33:17.480
I mean, we highlight was all the time as the playmaker.

08:33:17.480 --> 08:33:21.780
I think, arguably, one of the best for the Warcraft PVPers of all time.

08:33:21.780 --> 08:33:23.180
There's just no doubt about that.

08:33:23.180 --> 08:33:26.080
His communication and his ability to find win conditions

08:33:26.080 --> 08:33:28.780
really guide his team to a victory is unmatched.

08:33:28.780 --> 08:33:31.980
So it's going to be a difficult thing for Gators back to navigate.

08:33:31.980 --> 08:33:34.180
But I think from Gators back, from their perspective,

08:33:34.180 --> 08:33:36.080
what they need to do is what we saw in their last series

08:33:36.080 --> 08:33:38.480
play very aggressive and able Calvish.

08:33:38.480 --> 08:33:41.380
He is so fast and furious on that mage.

08:33:41.380 --> 08:33:42.980
You play very aggressive and in your face.

08:33:42.980 --> 08:33:44.380
He forces mistakes.

08:33:44.380 --> 08:33:46.380
We're going to see if Echo can handle that pressure.

08:33:46.380 --> 08:33:49.420
They're going to have to be able to if they want to be able to make it to the end.

08:33:49.420 --> 08:33:54.620
And over on Gator's back, we can also kind of talk a little bit about WizK who we've mentioned a few times, right?

08:33:54.620 --> 08:33:59.740
Now, this is somebody who was previously part of the move roster that reached multiple AWC finals

08:33:59.740 --> 08:34:02.780
and came within a game or two of those titles, despite it.

08:34:02.780 --> 08:34:06.300
And I'm sure right here right now he wants to be able to achieve more.

08:34:06.300 --> 08:34:11.020
But it's been kind of interesting that he hasn't been featured as much for Gator's back the past season.

08:34:11.020 --> 08:34:13.900
I mean, Ziko, how do you think the team has or hasn't utilized him?

08:34:13.900 --> 08:34:20.500
Well, I think, so the first thing is Whiskey has been in the Grand Finals at BlizzCon.

08:34:20.500 --> 08:34:25.860
So for him, this could be his moment where he actually wins BlizzCon and that's, you

08:34:25.860 --> 08:34:28.300
know, been a dream of his for a long, long time.

08:34:28.300 --> 08:34:33.420
So he's very excited and even though he's on the bench, he's for sure feeding his team

08:34:33.420 --> 08:34:34.420
information.

08:34:34.420 --> 08:34:38.660
He's for sure checking their talents, making sure everybody, because people when they're

08:34:38.660 --> 08:34:41.100
setting up their characters, they always forget something.

08:34:41.100 --> 08:34:42.380
We always see it.

08:34:42.380 --> 08:34:43.580
Somebody forgets an end chance.

08:34:43.580 --> 08:34:46.540
if we get something, somebody forgets to equip something,

08:34:46.540 --> 08:34:48.380
there's always something going on.

08:34:48.380 --> 08:34:50.080
And having that fourth player to make sure

08:34:50.080 --> 08:34:52.260
that just go through all the checks,

08:34:52.260 --> 08:34:55.020
make sure that everybody has their UI set up,

08:34:55.020 --> 08:34:56.660
their macros, everything like that.

08:34:56.660 --> 08:35:00.220
And constantly also, even in the middle of games,

08:35:00.220 --> 08:35:03.340
telling their team, this guy has no trinket.

08:35:03.340 --> 08:35:04.500
Watch out for this thing.

08:35:04.500 --> 08:35:05.740
It takes the whole team, right?

08:35:05.740 --> 08:35:08.100
You have to have eyes on so many different factors

08:35:08.100 --> 08:35:09.980
in competition that goes by this fast.

08:35:09.980 --> 08:35:12.060
And we are gonna be getting into this first game

08:35:12.060 --> 08:35:18.700
very soon ourselves here. This is the Grand Finals Echo versus Gatorsback. A huge moment

08:35:18.700 --> 08:35:22.900
for both of these teams to have come this far all year to this moment where they could

08:35:22.900 --> 08:35:27.940
take it all. This is going to be a huge deciding point for them, Supa.

08:35:27.940 --> 08:35:35.740
It's been seven years since Echo had to defend their title here at LISCON and North America

08:35:35.740 --> 08:35:39.180
to come in guns, blazing, decimating,

08:35:39.180 --> 08:35:42.060
streamerzone.gg, to get to the grand finals

08:35:42.060 --> 08:35:44.660
for a shot to steal that crown.

08:35:44.660 --> 08:35:46.900
The gates are open.

08:35:46.900 --> 08:35:49.780
Yeah, let's see, what are they gonna do?

08:35:49.780 --> 08:35:51.900
Immediately getting aggressive here,

08:35:51.900 --> 08:35:54.580
all through both majors, identical opener

08:35:54.580 --> 08:35:56.500
coming out so far from both of these teams.

08:35:56.500 --> 08:35:58.300
But they are occasionally looking for that road swap,

08:35:58.300 --> 08:35:59.860
and it's gonna be a drag, it's going to be a kidney,

08:35:59.860 --> 08:36:03.100
all today's Echo, he's gonna pull the first punch here,

08:36:03.100 --> 08:36:05.020
all today's, but he's sitting through

08:36:05.020 --> 08:36:08.140
The entire smoke bomb there, not using his Trinket,

08:36:08.140 --> 08:36:09.860
have big win here from North America.

08:36:09.860 --> 08:36:12.100
And a great play by Cubsy using that tranquility

08:36:12.100 --> 08:36:14.420
to heal out of line of sight and really deny

08:36:14.420 --> 08:36:16.820
that smoke bomb attempt there by Waz, Ryku,

08:36:16.820 --> 08:36:19.300
now under fire, beautiful crowd control on JT.

08:36:19.300 --> 08:36:21.980
What is Ryku going to do if this ability is coming out

08:36:21.980 --> 08:36:24.020
to deny some incoming damage?

08:36:24.020 --> 08:36:25.660
And then of course the cauterize doesn't look like

08:36:25.660 --> 08:36:27.500
they're going to be able to, but the damage here

08:36:27.500 --> 08:36:29.060
is really high for Gator's back.

08:36:29.060 --> 08:36:30.900
Beautiful crowd control from JT, catching Cubsy

08:36:30.900 --> 08:36:32.340
in a maim stun through an in-captor,

08:36:32.340 --> 08:36:33.660
but Ryku falls by Waz.

08:36:33.660 --> 08:36:39.260
getting crowded on a date gets almost annihilated. Overlapped, they overlap that is an opening.

08:36:39.260 --> 08:36:44.140
Echo are going toe to toe. JT is privately in Cubsie on that rest of the drill and if Cubsie

08:36:44.140 --> 08:36:48.140
can't build a significant gap over him it will be very challenging for Gators back.

08:36:48.140 --> 08:36:52.380
Yeah this is going to be very very scary Rock and when right against that next combustion

08:36:52.380 --> 08:36:57.500
in seven seconds they might just be able to KO Gators back in the first minute here

08:36:57.500 --> 08:37:01.580
let's see how they set it up right now they're pushing forward they know it's coming how is

08:37:01.580 --> 08:37:03.220
These days, he's going to be able to survive this one.

08:37:03.220 --> 08:37:05.060
He gouges last there, but he breaks for a second.

08:37:05.060 --> 08:37:06.060
He's trying to buy some time.

08:37:06.060 --> 08:37:07.060
JT pushes in.

08:37:07.060 --> 08:37:10.900
Copsy, though, gets the first run onto JT to stall the setup here for a moment.

08:37:10.900 --> 08:37:11.900
But there it is.

08:37:11.900 --> 08:37:12.900
Full cheat shot on today's.

08:37:12.900 --> 08:37:17.220
They got the in-caps roar as well onto JT, but Copsy delays the ground control.

08:37:17.220 --> 08:37:19.500
But now Mainz start coming through.

08:37:19.500 --> 08:37:20.500
Defensive smoke pump from Daze.

08:37:20.500 --> 08:37:22.380
Is he going to be able to survive?

08:37:22.380 --> 08:37:23.380
One more second on the side.

08:37:23.380 --> 08:37:24.380
Oh my God!

08:37:24.380 --> 08:37:27.500
Daze manages to, practically, survive that one.

08:37:27.500 --> 08:37:30.100
And he holds on by a thread, and now Gator's back.

08:37:30.100 --> 08:37:31.780
They need to get back in this game.

08:37:31.780 --> 08:37:33.460
The road silence out onto Rycule.

08:37:33.460 --> 08:37:35.260
They need to find some counter-aggression here.

08:37:35.260 --> 08:37:37.780
So far, Ekko's done an excellent job putting

08:37:37.780 --> 08:37:39.420
aggression here to Gators back.

08:37:39.420 --> 08:37:40.620
Kalvish is getting low on health.

08:37:40.620 --> 08:37:42.540
The Soryans into a cyclone on Cubsie.

08:37:42.540 --> 08:37:44.660
The crowd control is just never ending here.

08:37:44.660 --> 08:37:46.820
As Ekko has really found their footing in this matchup,

08:37:46.820 --> 08:37:49.300
we need to see Gators back strike back here

08:37:49.300 --> 08:37:50.220
with this next setup.

08:37:50.220 --> 08:37:51.140
Exactly fine time.

08:37:51.140 --> 08:37:53.500
This combustion comes up in 23 seconds,

08:37:53.500 --> 08:37:55.180
much sooner than Kalvish.

08:37:55.180 --> 08:37:56.620
That is a big opening.

08:37:56.620 --> 08:37:58.940
Whereas Rycule's going to move to find his opportunity here.

08:37:58.940 --> 08:38:03.940
Days still no medallion comes you pre ironbarks days anticipating this attack, but they didn't throw anything yet

08:38:03.940 --> 08:38:06.740
They do get a cyclone on JT, but we don't see any offense

08:38:06.740 --> 08:38:11.060
No kidney shot just yet double in cap board. They're chasing down Raikou. They get the ring of frost the kidney shot

08:38:11.060 --> 08:38:16.240
What they're crossing three players JT trinkets and respects the exchange on the Kingsman, but he gets corroded on his trinket

08:38:16.540 --> 08:38:20.940
Excellent punish from dazed in this position. They're keeping their momentum for now on Raikou

08:38:20.940 --> 08:38:26.860
They really need to close more damage. They don't have it at this moment in time and now combustion Kingsbane available for echo

08:38:26.860 --> 08:38:31.500
They are very threatening in this position if they're able to connect you have a JT has no trinket here

08:38:31.500 --> 08:38:37.900
Oh, they're looking good, but at the same time days getting absolutely flabbered here in this exchange with Cubs you once again

08:38:37.900 --> 08:38:41.380
Stalls out the private nobody has to respect it trades out the trinket JT

08:38:41.380 --> 08:38:44.780
Don't get it swapped through with no huge swapping and they going for no way

08:38:49.060 --> 08:38:53.900
On the other side an egg will draw first love in game number one

08:38:53.900 --> 08:39:05.900
What a comeback there by Ekko. JT was almost taken down, but Waz and Ryku, they focus up, they get the counter kill, and managed to take days down for a game one victory and excellent performance.

08:39:05.900 --> 08:39:15.900
You know Gators thought they tasted blood in the water, but Ekko still won't get back to get that kill themselves. Now this was already a really intense back and forth from these two teams.

08:39:15.900 --> 08:39:17.220
two teams. And you know,

08:39:17.220 --> 08:39:18.860
Echo said, Oh, he was not

08:39:18.860 --> 08:39:20.220
known for playing that aggressive.

08:39:20.220 --> 08:39:21.320
Yeah, I couldn't be us.

08:39:21.320 --> 08:39:24.400
I mean, Ziko, that was a very aggressive push from them.

08:39:24.400 --> 08:39:26.120
Absolutely. I mean, Echo,

08:39:26.120 --> 08:39:28.900
they hit the golden ticket early on in that game.

08:39:28.900 --> 08:39:31.100
The worst thing that can happen to you in the road

08:39:31.100 --> 08:39:34.520
made mirror is the druid having no trinket

08:39:34.520 --> 08:39:36.820
and the rogue having no trinket at the same time.

08:39:36.820 --> 08:39:38.720
That's essentially what you're working towards.

08:39:38.720 --> 08:39:41.060
And they just panicked on the side of Gators.

08:39:41.060 --> 08:39:43.320
They both used at the exact same time.

08:39:43.320 --> 08:39:45.820
Usually the healer will call the cooldowns

08:39:45.820 --> 08:39:50.740
and be like okay you use first I will use second but they got a big overlap here

08:39:50.740 --> 08:39:54.500
and that's what leads to this situation here now the only reason why days is

08:39:54.500 --> 08:39:58.780
even able to survive this is because Cubs did a really masterful play he

08:39:58.780 --> 08:40:03.740
restuffed and dodged JT's trap control so we couldn't get CC'd at the same time

08:40:03.740 --> 08:40:06.940
as they were going for that assault on the road buying a little bit of time to

08:40:06.940 --> 08:40:12.060
get hots up and then but still even though able to do that it's still very

08:40:12.060 --> 08:40:15.460
very hard to come back from a situation like that and then here at the end it

08:40:15.460 --> 08:40:17.580
It was crazy the amount of pressure.

08:40:17.580 --> 08:40:20.940
Going for the kill, they managed to get the cross kill

08:40:20.940 --> 08:40:23.460
and JT of course, also able to survive there.

08:40:23.460 --> 08:40:26.500
Could have easily been a 2v2, such a close series

08:40:26.500 --> 08:40:29.020
and Gator's back battling it from behind

08:40:29.020 --> 08:40:30.700
basically the whole way through.

08:40:30.700 --> 08:40:33.100
I mean, so close and yet that moment,

08:40:33.100 --> 08:40:35.820
that decisive moment really sealed it

08:40:35.820 --> 08:40:38.100
and Echo was able to take that first one.

08:40:38.100 --> 08:40:40.020
I mean, what was Echo's approach do you think,

08:40:40.020 --> 08:40:41.480
Ben, as they were looking here to counter

08:40:41.480 --> 08:40:43.100
and kind of come in fast

08:40:43.100 --> 08:40:45.460
and right off the bat for Gators back.

08:40:45.460 --> 08:40:46.460
Well, I think in the last series,

08:40:46.460 --> 08:40:49.540
we saw Gators back able to get their opponents on the back foot.

08:40:49.540 --> 08:40:50.460
That was not the case.

08:40:50.460 --> 08:40:52.140
Echo is not messing around.

08:40:52.140 --> 08:40:53.780
I don't know if they were just watching.

08:40:53.780 --> 08:40:55.300
Obviously, they're watching the previous games,

08:40:55.300 --> 08:40:57.140
but I don't know if they learned from the previous games,

08:40:57.140 --> 08:40:59.180
but they are obviously not afraid of this matchup.

08:40:59.180 --> 08:41:00.460
They're very experienced.

08:41:00.460 --> 08:41:02.900
And I think they met aggression with aggression.

08:41:02.900 --> 08:41:04.780
And I would say, I feel like their team actually

08:41:04.780 --> 08:41:06.980
was getting better setups throughout the majority

08:41:06.980 --> 08:41:07.620
of this game.

08:41:07.620 --> 08:41:10.460
So for Gators back, they need to shake off that loss,

08:41:10.460 --> 08:41:12.180
go back to the aggressive playstyle,

08:41:12.180 --> 08:41:15.860
I get that confidence back and see if they can pull off a way to tie this up.

08:41:15.860 --> 08:41:18.980
Now, if your opposition though is meeting you with that aggressive play style,

08:41:18.980 --> 08:41:21.780
and if they are finding a way to kind of beat you to the punch on it,

08:41:21.780 --> 08:41:25.460
I mean, Supo, what do you think is the answer here for Gator's back?

08:41:25.460 --> 08:41:26.540
They're going to go faster.

08:41:26.540 --> 08:41:28.580
They're going to hook point, they're going to a small mable.

08:41:28.580 --> 08:41:29.180
Gotta go fast.

08:41:29.180 --> 08:41:29.900
You want to go fast?

08:41:29.900 --> 08:41:31.180
We're going to go faster.

08:41:31.180 --> 08:41:32.980
They lock and hook point rapidly here.

08:41:32.980 --> 08:41:36.260
Now, Echo, I can't imagine if they're going to be changing anything here.

08:41:36.260 --> 08:41:37.940
I really want to note JT in this game,

08:41:37.940 --> 08:41:40.940
because we've been talking up Cubsie a lot throughout multiple segments

08:41:40.940 --> 08:41:43.380
as the best wrestler drew it right now in the competition.

08:41:43.380 --> 08:41:47.140
JT is a recently new pickup on the side of Echo,

08:41:47.140 --> 08:41:48.900
and he just played phenomenally in that game one.

08:41:48.900 --> 08:41:51.260
He was just playing with confidence, matching Cubsy,

08:41:51.260 --> 08:41:54.620
even despite Cubsy's insane legendary track record, right?

08:41:54.620 --> 08:41:56.540
Like, he's getting in his face, he's getting crowd control.

08:41:56.540 --> 08:41:58.820
He's not showing him the same type of respect

08:41:58.820 --> 08:42:01.020
that we saw from Next in the last series,

08:42:01.020 --> 08:42:03.260
where he's kind of backing off and kind of letting Cubsy do

08:42:03.260 --> 08:42:04.500
what he wanted to do.

08:42:04.500 --> 08:42:07.380
And really, I think it was critical for their roster.

08:42:07.380 --> 08:42:08.980
It seems like it's been a huge asset.

08:42:08.980 --> 08:42:10.540
Now we're seeing the draft picks come in.

08:42:10.540 --> 08:42:12.340
Wait, what is that on our screen?

08:42:12.340 --> 08:42:13.980
Well, we hear this reaction.

08:42:13.980 --> 08:42:15.740
I mean, Ben, what do you see?

08:42:15.740 --> 08:42:19.820
This is something we kind of knew about.

08:42:19.820 --> 08:42:22.060
Chan alluded in the last series that there

08:42:22.060 --> 08:42:24.820
might be some surprises coming in here for Gatorsback.

08:42:24.820 --> 08:42:27.980
And this is a very explosive composition.

08:42:27.980 --> 08:42:29.980
So for Gatorsback, they're obviously

08:42:29.980 --> 08:42:32.060
very experienced in the Rogue Maid's Druid matchup.

08:42:32.060 --> 08:42:33.620
They know these classes well.

08:42:33.620 --> 08:42:35.500
They're going to be bringing in a subtlety rogue

08:42:35.500 --> 08:42:36.620
and a wind walker monk.

08:42:36.620 --> 08:42:38.420
Now, not something you normally see,

08:42:38.420 --> 08:42:41.940
But this is a composition that is incredibly explosive.

08:42:41.940 --> 08:42:44.380
So you have the subtlety rogue to lock down a target

08:42:44.380 --> 08:42:46.620
and the wind walk among to kind of knock them out of the park

08:42:46.620 --> 08:42:48.500
with that massive damage they're able to bring

08:42:48.500 --> 08:42:49.780
during those serenity windows.

08:42:49.780 --> 08:42:52.220
So I think this is an interesting counter pick,

08:42:52.220 --> 08:42:54.980
but I mean, it's one of those things where if it works,

08:42:54.980 --> 08:42:55.980
it's going to look genius.

08:42:55.980 --> 08:42:59.340
And if it doesn't, it's kind of awkward.

08:42:59.340 --> 08:43:01.220
OK, all right, Ziko, how are you feeling about the chances

08:43:01.220 --> 08:43:02.820
of this working out for them?

08:43:02.820 --> 08:43:05.780
I feel like it's probably one of the scariest things

08:43:05.780 --> 08:43:12.380
you could face, honestly, Subrogue, very good, like Ben said, to isolate a target and also

08:43:12.380 --> 08:43:17.880
to take it out with a big burst, but more so the Windwalker playing into this is going

08:43:17.880 --> 08:43:22.820
to be definitely a test for all of them because it's very explosive. You can go after the

08:43:22.820 --> 08:43:27.120
Druid, you can go after the Mage, you can go after the Rogue as well. Anybody who doesn't

08:43:27.120 --> 08:43:32.700
have a Trinket is an easy target for these guys to take down. Of course, there is going

08:43:32.700 --> 08:43:38.700
There's going to be longevity issues on the subrogue wind walker side because the subrogue is going to

08:43:38.700 --> 08:43:43.700
most of the time struggle keeping up in terms of overall damage.

08:43:43.700 --> 08:43:47.700
So if the game does go long, that should be in Echo's favor.

08:43:47.700 --> 08:43:52.700
But if they can keep it explosive, they can keep it chaotic on the side of the gators.

08:43:52.700 --> 08:43:53.700
This could absolutely work.

08:43:53.700 --> 08:43:58.700
I don't mind that they take an early game like this to try to experience and try to,

08:43:58.700 --> 08:44:03.100
the reason why they picked this is because they wanted to kind of flip the map on its head.

08:44:03.100 --> 08:44:06.300
That's something that crossed my mind too. If you're going to take the risk, it seems like now

08:44:06.300 --> 08:44:11.260
would be a good time. You have a best of seven ahead of you. So if you think maybe this can get

08:44:11.260 --> 08:44:15.420
us a win here and it can shake things up, this might be a good time to do it. But Super, do you

08:44:15.420 --> 08:44:21.260
think that's really a good strategy to lean into? I think against Echo, surprise is your main advantage.

08:44:21.260 --> 08:44:25.420
So throwing this composition that, I mean, we haven't seen Windwalker and Settled T-Row

08:44:25.420 --> 08:44:27.980
or probably ever maybe one game out of the thousands

08:44:27.980 --> 08:44:29.660
or tens of thousands of games that have been played

08:44:29.660 --> 08:44:32.060
in a tournament, you're in the grand finals

08:44:32.060 --> 08:44:35.700
to win the entire thing and you boldly lock this in.

08:44:35.700 --> 08:44:37.700
This is a bold move for the Gators.

08:44:37.700 --> 08:44:38.740
It is, but you know what?

08:44:38.740 --> 08:44:41.060
Go big, go bold or go home.

08:44:41.060 --> 08:44:43.060
There is no other time to prove yourself

08:44:43.060 --> 08:44:44.700
than this time right here right now.

08:44:44.700 --> 08:44:47.300
If you want to be the AWC grand champion,

08:44:47.300 --> 08:44:48.860
this is going to be our second game.

08:44:48.860 --> 08:44:50.380
Gators back versus Echo.

08:44:50.380 --> 08:44:52.100
Now Gators back have taken a chance here.

08:44:52.100 --> 08:44:53.460
They're putting themselves out there.

08:44:53.460 --> 08:44:55.460
With this composition they're gonna bring

08:44:55.460 --> 08:44:57.500
to see if they can throw Echo off their game.

08:44:57.500 --> 08:45:00.340
Can they be faster than Echo to the punch

08:45:00.340 --> 08:45:01.660
in this next map?

08:45:01.660 --> 08:45:02.740
It's uncertain.

08:45:02.740 --> 08:45:04.780
Echo already beat them at their own game

08:45:04.780 --> 08:45:06.300
with that speed and that aggression,

08:45:06.300 --> 08:45:09.340
but Echo has a chance here to be caught off guard

08:45:09.340 --> 08:45:11.300
by Gator's back surprise move.

08:45:11.300 --> 08:45:13.020
This is gonna be a big one.

08:45:13.020 --> 08:45:15.420
Every single one is in our grand finals,

08:45:15.420 --> 08:45:17.260
but then as we come in here,

08:45:17.260 --> 08:45:18.500
can everybody raise their voices?

08:45:18.500 --> 08:45:19.940
Get some noise!

08:45:19.940 --> 08:45:27.940
Yeah, big, big opening right now. Game number two, Gators back versus Echo.

08:45:27.940 --> 08:45:31.940
Lreiku getting sapped here, so Dave's going to have an easy time to walk over there

08:45:31.940 --> 08:45:35.940
and start up the setup, but looks like Calvish is just going to be sneaking around instead.

08:45:35.940 --> 08:45:40.940
Waz do not want to open. Havas almost finds him there for a second, and if Waz gets found,

08:45:40.940 --> 08:45:44.940
this could be a very, very scary situation. Both rogues, whoever opens first,

08:45:44.940 --> 08:45:47.940
is of course going to be the one who gets stunned by the other rogues,

08:45:47.940 --> 08:45:50.600
So they kind of want to wait that out, but Calvish does get pound.

08:45:50.600 --> 08:45:52.400
He's in a polymorph and they could set it up.

08:45:52.400 --> 08:45:57.000
There's the blind, thumbstaff and immediate aggressive way onto Calvish.

08:45:57.000 --> 08:45:58.080
He's going to have to trink it.

08:45:58.080 --> 08:46:01.040
He's going to use the Cocoa Shadow, but this time no overlap.

08:46:01.040 --> 08:46:04.080
Oh, big damage here onto Waz and JT.

08:46:04.080 --> 08:46:05.680
Dazed and Calvish are looking to strike back.

08:46:05.680 --> 08:46:07.880
Waz get balled, he needs to be very careful.

08:46:07.880 --> 08:46:09.480
Almost into that touch of death rate.

08:46:09.480 --> 08:46:12.920
Will trade up the Cocoa Shadows to survive, but a great counter push there.

08:46:12.920 --> 08:46:17.520
However, Echo getting the trinket from Calvish puts him in a really vulnerable position.

08:46:17.520 --> 08:46:22.120
They got triggered from Waz too, and this Windwalker damage is absolutely wild right now.

08:46:22.120 --> 08:46:26.800
Dazed, Jerry flexing from that rogue onto the Windwalker just seamlessly right now.

08:46:26.800 --> 08:46:28.400
Up he gets a Cyclone on JT.

08:46:28.400 --> 08:46:31.680
They're anticipating damage. They paralyze Rhoads, so he can't prepaint the stun.

08:46:31.680 --> 08:46:35.520
JT gets Iron Bark up instead, responding to that, but now he's caught in a swap.

08:46:35.520 --> 08:46:38.960
Will he go down? Dazed is getting pressured at the same moment, and peeled away by Waz.

08:46:38.960 --> 08:46:43.200
Beautiful defense from Waz. He shuts down Cyclone for the top, so he shuts down the damage from the Windwalker.

08:46:43.200 --> 08:46:46.160
However, Dazed is still keeping the gas pedal down at the moment.

08:46:46.160 --> 08:46:48.920
I am now kite away, but he has touch of karma.

08:46:48.920 --> 08:46:51.800
He's gonna trade that redirect damage to his target instead.

08:46:51.800 --> 08:46:53.080
He's mostly in the middle of the map.

08:46:53.080 --> 08:46:55.520
Press to pull it back, get next to cup team.

08:46:55.520 --> 08:46:58.480
Bit vulnerable, no touch on road, no karma on wind walker.

08:46:58.480 --> 08:46:59.600
Those are the openings.

08:46:59.600 --> 08:47:00.760
James Bane is available.

08:47:00.760 --> 08:47:02.040
Combustion is available.

08:47:02.040 --> 08:47:03.720
Gator's back could be in trouble.

08:47:03.720 --> 08:47:05.880
Yeah, and they're setting up another setup here.

08:47:05.880 --> 08:47:07.480
Ultralisk, big damage.

08:47:07.480 --> 08:47:08.520
What?

08:47:08.520 --> 08:47:09.840
He might just go down right now.

08:47:09.840 --> 08:47:12.440
If they should have 1% HP, then they miss it over there

08:47:12.440 --> 08:47:13.280
with the touch of death.

08:47:13.280 --> 08:47:14.960
No, Daze gets close line back.

08:47:14.960 --> 08:47:21.860
No karma on days, he's getting swapped to both teams playing so aggressively, but it looks like they will recover here

08:47:21.860 --> 08:47:28.540
This is an explosive matchup ladies and gentlemen, and we haven't seen anyone really spend all of their cooldowns just yet

08:47:28.540 --> 08:47:34.740
But we're getting there Calvish has the shadow blades rotating back off cooldown serenity almost available here for days

08:47:34.740 --> 08:47:37.780
But when Calvish and dazed connect on walls with no trinket

08:47:37.780 --> 08:47:42.200
I mean he can just explode evaporate in this match Calvish grabs the shadow site

08:47:42.200 --> 08:47:44.200
He's actually trying to find Waz. Waz is hiding.

08:47:44.200 --> 08:47:45.200
He's hiding here.

08:47:45.200 --> 08:47:46.200
He's down to save.

08:47:46.200 --> 08:47:47.200
Calvish goes in and he gets a zap.

08:47:47.200 --> 08:47:49.200
K-smoke ball to play.

08:47:49.200 --> 08:47:50.200
Gets the smoke ball.

08:47:50.200 --> 08:47:52.200
Riku with excellent defense.

08:47:52.200 --> 08:47:53.200
Will Waz survive?

08:47:53.200 --> 08:47:54.200
Beautiful defense.

08:47:54.200 --> 08:47:56.200
The defensive plays there by Ekko.

08:47:56.200 --> 08:47:58.200
I can't believe that he survived right there.

08:47:58.200 --> 08:48:00.200
Those are the cheeky plays that you love to see

08:48:00.200 --> 08:48:03.200
from Calvish catching Waz in a zap

08:48:03.200 --> 08:48:04.200
and almost setting up for the win.

08:48:04.200 --> 08:48:06.200
But now Calvish is in a ring of frost.

08:48:06.200 --> 08:48:07.200
He can't heal at the moment

08:48:07.200 --> 08:48:09.200
and Dazed is retreating behind the pillar.

08:48:09.200 --> 08:48:11.200
Calvish is trying to retreat as well

08:48:11.200 --> 08:48:14.800
teammates here. Will they be able to stay alive? They blind Waz. They sap him again.

08:48:14.800 --> 08:48:18.600
They're trying to set up with no faint. They need control on JT. Can they send him?

08:48:18.600 --> 08:48:21.700
They don't commit the stun. They get bounced away by the ring of peace.

08:48:21.700 --> 08:48:25.400
Dazed, he's in a kidney shot. Cubsie seems to have him stable even despite the combustion.

08:48:25.400 --> 08:48:26.600
Calvish intercepts.

08:48:26.600 --> 08:48:30.400
They be shot found on Waz. When JT is there, like Cubsie is denying him,

08:48:30.400 --> 08:48:34.800
in-caps more cyclone, and they force his trinket. They really need to get trinket from JT right here.

08:48:34.800 --> 08:48:38.800
Doesn't look like they have the damage. Waz did use, at least the Cloak of Shadows here to deny some damage.

08:48:38.800 --> 08:48:41.880
Calvish, getting isolated, trying to get back to his team.

08:48:41.880 --> 08:48:43.560
Cheap shots on JT, but he anticipates it.

08:48:43.560 --> 08:48:44.520
He's in bare form.

08:48:44.520 --> 08:48:45.680
He's going to be able to be durable.

08:48:45.680 --> 08:48:47.080
Calvish now into a blind.

08:48:47.080 --> 08:48:48.880
Calvish still in trouble at 50% health,

08:48:48.880 --> 08:48:50.120
but Calvish is sitting through this.

08:48:50.120 --> 08:48:52.400
No, he just, oh, he can think cap down his trinket.

08:48:52.400 --> 08:48:53.520
Calvish in trouble.

08:48:53.520 --> 08:48:56.280
He's into a cyclone, and JT is on fire.

08:48:58.280 --> 08:49:02.560
Oh, my goodness, Ekko giving Calvish a little bit

08:49:02.560 --> 08:49:04.920
of his own taste there, getting crowd control

08:49:04.920 --> 08:49:06.440
on the trinket by JT.

08:49:06.440 --> 08:49:08.160
What an insane push there.

08:49:08.160 --> 08:49:13.760
And I mean, Wazz versus Kalvish, the weight was worth it.

08:49:13.760 --> 08:49:14.760
The weight was worth it.

08:49:14.760 --> 08:49:17.640
These guys are just playing mind games the entire time,

08:49:17.640 --> 08:49:19.080
looking to get this perfect setup,

08:49:19.080 --> 08:49:22.800
looking to one up each other from the moment the gates open.

08:49:22.800 --> 08:49:24.640
What a phenomenal game, but in the end,

08:49:24.640 --> 08:49:27.240
it is Echo who find that crowd control

08:49:27.240 --> 08:49:28.360
onto the Cubs and string it.

08:49:28.360 --> 08:49:29.640
He triggers out of the ring of frost

08:49:29.640 --> 08:49:33.240
and immediately JT is ready there with the counter stun

08:49:33.240 --> 08:49:35.360
and they manage to close it out there,

08:49:35.360 --> 08:49:37.440
but it looks like they want to still play it out here

08:49:37.440 --> 08:49:49.440
From the side of the Gators, still have some QNAS left to work with, but Wads still has his trinket, JT still has his trinket, I don't think that's going to happen days, I'm sorry, and it looks like Echo probably is going to walk away with this one.

08:49:49.440 --> 08:50:00.440
Yeah, I think there's a very good chance of that, but Gators back there was a few close calls in that game, you know, that sap onto Wads, into the smoke bomb, that was a great opportunity, but you have to give it up to Echo.

08:50:00.440 --> 08:50:03.240
They just read this game so incredibly well.

08:50:03.240 --> 08:50:04.840
They know when they need to play defensive.

08:50:04.840 --> 08:50:06.440
They know when they can get the counter-push.

08:50:06.440 --> 08:50:08.640
And that's what makes this team so dangerous.

08:50:08.640 --> 08:50:12.040
They can easily switch from offense to defense.

08:50:12.040 --> 08:50:13.640
And it's just amazing to see.

08:50:13.640 --> 08:50:14.140
It's true.

08:50:14.140 --> 08:50:16.140
I honestly feel like, although we have the difference

08:50:16.140 --> 08:50:19.240
between the approach generally across NA and EU,

08:50:19.240 --> 08:50:22.540
ECHO's just built diff in that they just have the intuition

08:50:22.540 --> 08:50:25.440
and the experience to be able to accommodate anything

08:50:25.440 --> 08:50:26.440
they are met with.

08:50:26.440 --> 08:50:27.640
But of course, Gator's back.

08:50:27.640 --> 08:50:30.280
There were moments there where they absolutely

08:50:30.280 --> 08:50:32.480
It seems like they could have gotten that first blutter,

08:50:32.480 --> 08:50:33.680
that first pick.

08:50:33.680 --> 08:50:35.600
And I think it was actually Super who was saying,

08:50:35.600 --> 08:50:38.680
you know, if Echo's going fast, Gators has to go faster.

08:50:38.680 --> 08:50:41.080
And they tried, but didn't quite land it at the beginning.

08:50:41.080 --> 08:50:42.480
Yeah, it's going to be rough, man.

08:50:42.480 --> 08:50:44.240
You're down two points now.

08:50:44.240 --> 08:50:46.440
So you're going to win at a double disadvantage

08:50:46.440 --> 08:50:48.800
in a format at that point.

08:50:48.800 --> 08:50:50.720
And obviously, Mercedes is sitting on the bench.

08:50:50.720 --> 08:50:52.680
If there's windlock or rogue isn't universal,

08:50:52.680 --> 08:50:54.320
it can't beat multiple compositions.

08:50:54.320 --> 08:50:56.600
And it's not something that they can rely on

08:50:56.600 --> 08:50:58.240
for the rest of the series, Eco.

08:50:58.240 --> 08:51:00.120
Yeah, I mean, we can take a look

08:51:00.120 --> 08:51:04.840
the last moments here in the replays but there were so many close calls. I mean

08:51:04.840 --> 08:51:09.600
both teams are just playing so well. Waz getting stun locked, dropping insanely low.

08:51:09.600 --> 08:51:13.560
Shadowsnip is back to his healer, drops the evasion. JT finally comes out of

08:51:13.560 --> 08:51:16.600
crowd control. You get the kidney shot there. Managers survive then they turn it

08:51:16.600 --> 08:51:20.320
back around onto Calvish and that was just an excellent play right there. Getting

08:51:20.320 --> 08:51:24.320
that stun onto Cubs. He's trinket after he trinketed the I believe it was

08:51:24.320 --> 08:51:28.200
Dragonsbreath, Ring of Frost getting stunned on his trinket immediately

08:51:28.200 --> 08:51:30.280
before you can get any big heels out.

08:51:30.280 --> 08:51:33.800
So they can essentially kill the road through the trinket there from the heel.

08:51:33.800 --> 08:51:35.400
Oh my God, so close.

08:51:35.400 --> 08:51:36.240
So close.

08:51:36.240 --> 08:51:39.760
If they just manage to get over there, one touch of death, it's already over.

08:51:39.760 --> 08:51:45.800
So I mean, it's crazy how well both of these teams played and JT as well.

08:51:45.800 --> 08:51:49.800
Really shining on the rest of the group because we have been hyping up Cubsi as

08:51:49.800 --> 08:51:55.960
the goal when it comes to rest of the groups and JT coming into the season was a main priest.

08:51:55.960 --> 08:52:01.160
He, you know, at previous events also was struggling with multi-class and you had to pick up the Prezi Volker,

08:52:01.160 --> 08:52:06.600
the rest of Druid, basically everything except his main, and to be able to perform in front of the crowd

08:52:06.600 --> 08:52:09.560
on an alt essentially is beautiful to see.

08:52:09.560 --> 08:52:14.760
I mean it's so impressive across the play from all of the team, both teams honestly, just amazing.

08:52:14.760 --> 08:52:18.600
And we had this kind of experiment that we got to see with some of these picks with this comp.

08:52:18.600 --> 08:52:21.160
I mean, how do you think this worked out ultimately for Gatorsback?

08:52:21.160 --> 08:52:25.160
They lost, yes, but were they able to accomplish anything of what they maybe hoped to?

08:52:25.160 --> 08:52:28.880
it's just so difficult right because Gators back we saw in the replay there

08:52:28.880 --> 08:52:32.680
was so many moments where they're incredibly close to winning so is this

08:52:32.680 --> 08:52:36.160
a good composition into rogue mage drew it like do they want to run this back

08:52:36.160 --> 08:52:40.080
here on the small map or go into Dalaran sewers or do they just go into the

08:52:40.080 --> 08:52:44.160
rogue mage mirrors once again go back to the rogue mage drew it and just play

08:52:44.160 --> 08:52:48.720
that as many games as you can try to get more data in the match get better and

08:52:48.720 --> 08:52:52.120
better but now they're in kind of an awkward position where they have to

08:52:52.120 --> 08:52:56.360
choose between two compositions and I wonder what they're going to do. I think the small map

08:52:56.360 --> 08:53:00.440
indicates trying to cleave setup once again, but they're going to do it. I kind of want to see

08:53:00.440 --> 08:53:04.520
the rogue mage, but they're opting for this instead. All right, so they're obviously hoping that this

08:53:04.520 --> 08:53:10.120
will be a place where they can really make it kind of happen, but I mean it seems like there was a

08:53:10.120 --> 08:53:14.120
bit of vulnerability there or just that they weren't able to really land what they were hoping to

08:53:14.120 --> 08:53:18.200
set up. So I mean, Supa, do you think this is a good choice for them? Do you think that there's

08:53:18.200 --> 08:53:20.800
or something about this scenario that can work out differently?

08:53:20.800 --> 08:53:23.200
I think it fits their playstyle as a team.

08:53:23.200 --> 08:53:24.600
It's a very explosive comp.

08:53:24.600 --> 08:53:25.560
It's an aggressive comp.

08:53:25.560 --> 08:53:27.000
It's a flashy comp.

08:53:27.000 --> 08:53:28.480
But it's going to fizzle fast.

08:53:28.480 --> 08:53:31.520
So you either win fast or you fizzle out fast.

08:53:31.520 --> 08:53:34.920
And it's a very high risk decision on their part.

08:53:34.920 --> 08:53:36.960
But I think it does play to their strengths.

08:53:36.960 --> 08:53:39.800
And in game number one, Dazed got shut down so much

08:53:39.800 --> 08:53:41.560
that he's not able to get damage out.

08:53:41.560 --> 08:53:44.200
Whereas on the Windwalker here, he got way more pressure out.

08:53:44.200 --> 08:53:46.680
So they're choosing to trade that defense and security

08:53:46.680 --> 08:53:48.080
for more offense trying to do it.

08:53:48.080 --> 08:53:50.280
The North American way, the Zugg Zugg.

08:53:50.280 --> 08:53:51.680
They're going to Zugg Zugg,

08:53:51.680 --> 08:53:53.080
and I know they're going to give it their best.

08:53:53.080 --> 08:53:55.480
I mean, coming in here to our third map,

08:53:55.480 --> 08:53:57.580
this is where the pressure really starts to amp up.

08:53:57.580 --> 08:53:59.480
You know that you're getting towards that point

08:53:59.480 --> 08:54:02.480
where you won't be able to afford to lose,

08:54:02.480 --> 08:54:03.980
but they are going to bring it in regardless

08:54:03.980 --> 08:54:06.980
and try to see if they can make this happen

08:54:06.980 --> 08:54:08.880
and if they can outsmart Echo

08:54:08.880 --> 08:54:11.280
with what they have in store with this composition.

08:54:11.280 --> 08:54:13.780
Now Gatorsback, everybody here from NA

08:54:13.780 --> 08:54:15.580
has been supporting them so much.

08:54:15.580 --> 08:54:18.420
So everybody give them your energy, can we hear you?

08:54:21.420 --> 08:54:22.580
They need to get a point on the board

08:54:22.580 --> 08:54:24.860
and this is where they're going to try to do it, Ziko.

08:54:24.860 --> 08:54:28.660
The Gators are wounded, give them your energy, it is time.

08:54:28.660 --> 08:54:31.500
Game number three, Gators back versus Echo,

08:54:31.500 --> 08:54:34.780
knocking in the Windwalker, self-rope, yet again,

08:54:34.780 --> 08:54:37.420
Kalvish versus Waz on the road.

08:54:37.420 --> 08:54:39.620
The matchup that we've all been waiting for

08:54:39.620 --> 08:54:42.820
for as long as I can remember, let's see who takes it.

08:54:42.820 --> 08:54:44.060
And let's not forget the last game,

08:54:44.060 --> 08:54:50.760
Kalvish got knocked out of stealth and that was not the best opener for Gator's back, so likely he's going to go get for Waz on top of each other.

08:54:50.760 --> 08:54:56.580
Can he find him for the step open space? How is this possible that Waz and Kalvish cannot see each other in this situation?

08:54:56.580 --> 08:55:01.660
But Ryku, building up the hot streaks, is going to have access to Flamestrike, so he's going to be able to look for it.

08:55:01.660 --> 08:55:08.360
Oh, they got him! They got him! They got him! The blind! A big setup here, potentially, but it looks like Deis has a good job diffusing that situation.

08:55:08.360 --> 08:55:17.360
Alright, beautiful deals from Dazed in that position now, Cubs is in tree of life, should be able to reschedule the team quite effectively, but it looks like Ryker's got a ring of frost preventing them from their pushing.

08:55:17.360 --> 08:55:26.360
Cubsy, they're making a swap on him, will Bark skin be enough in game number three as he's stunlocking the multiple growth silences? He's in bare form, brain that he will survive.

08:55:26.360 --> 08:55:36.360
On slot is Endless, he had to commit Iron Bark as well, generating their attention onto JT as he prepared for it, he greets it, he doesn't even skin the swap, that is going to put his team massively ahead.

08:55:36.360 --> 08:55:42.360
Yeah, and but at the same time they used everything every cool on that was had offensively they use it on to comesy

08:55:42.360 --> 08:55:50.000
So both teams kind of wasting their first round of offensive coolers both druids playing really well defensively in those situations to survive

08:55:50.000 --> 08:55:52.000
And now it's gonna be JT here

08:55:54.000 --> 08:56:00.920
Big damage and they stop him nice gouge there onto was slowing him down and that's one thing we've seen from both teams

08:56:00.920 --> 08:56:02.640
They are so quick to stop.

08:56:02.640 --> 08:56:05.160
Oh, Jayce, Jayce, you've got to calm out.

08:56:05.160 --> 08:56:06.160
Use it on the right, too.

08:56:06.160 --> 08:56:06.660
Right.

08:56:06.660 --> 08:56:09.320
Good ice block, this, but he's respecting the situation,

08:56:09.320 --> 08:56:11.160
realizing they probably don't have enough damage.

08:56:11.160 --> 08:56:12.320
You can't throw that carbon object.

08:56:12.320 --> 08:56:13.160
You can't swap through.

08:56:13.160 --> 08:56:14.320
Big damage on the head.

08:56:14.320 --> 08:56:15.360
Do they have any more stunts?

08:56:15.360 --> 08:56:16.520
Keep just their chance.

08:56:16.520 --> 08:56:17.920
Why'd they take him down?

08:56:17.920 --> 08:56:19.840
North America looking for blood.

08:56:19.840 --> 08:56:21.320
Oh, great plays there by Cubsie.

08:56:21.320 --> 08:56:22.960
Preemptively getting into the bare form,

08:56:22.960 --> 08:56:24.920
keeping his team very aggressive,

08:56:24.920 --> 08:56:26.320
allowing them to get ahead.

08:56:26.320 --> 08:56:28.400
Jayce right now under fire, not many cooldowns.

08:56:28.400 --> 08:56:30.480
We'll use the transcendence to get to the pillar.

08:56:30.480 --> 08:56:34.640
Calvish as well. He was the most vulnerable target in the last game. He needs to be very careful.

08:56:34.640 --> 08:56:37.200
Blinds to blind. What are they going to do here?

08:56:37.200 --> 08:56:40.080
Waz is completely locked down. Where is the setup? Here comes the cheap shot.

08:56:40.080 --> 08:56:45.360
Do they have the damage to take him down? Waz is a digger! He gets knocked down and he gets taken down!

08:56:45.360 --> 08:56:48.240
Gator's back. What's up, boy? Waz on the board.

08:56:48.240 --> 08:56:57.360
Double kill in seconds. Calvish and Deist bring the heat. They risk it all with an all-in composition.

08:56:57.360 --> 08:57:02.200
They put a point on the board against reigning title champions.

08:57:02.200 --> 08:57:05.280
Echo, I cannot believe it right now.

08:57:05.280 --> 08:57:06.640
That pressure was insane.

08:57:06.640 --> 08:57:07.760
They are not backing down.

08:57:07.760 --> 08:57:10.520
They are not surrendering or throwing in the towel.

08:57:10.520 --> 08:57:12.800
They just go faster and faster.

08:57:12.800 --> 08:57:15.000
The Gators are prowling through the crowd.

08:57:15.000 --> 08:57:17.640
You can see them lurking in the water.

08:57:17.640 --> 08:57:19.440
And that was exactly what they were

08:57:19.440 --> 08:57:20.560
hoping to be able to land.

08:57:20.560 --> 08:57:23.320
They stuck with that composition here coming in.

08:57:23.320 --> 08:57:26.240
And it seemed like this time it did pay off for them then.

08:57:26.240 --> 08:57:29.500
I mean it absolutely did their setups looked a lot better there

08:57:29.500 --> 08:57:35.860
And I think this a kind of damage can really catch you off guard the wind walker monk and the subtlety road the lockdown

08:57:35.860 --> 08:57:42.520
And first that you have is quite crazy. You can tell both these teams really mixing it up stylistically going after the healers

08:57:42.520 --> 08:57:49.160
We saw echo commit the combustion as well as the king's fate on the Cubs II putting a lot of damage there now going after days

08:57:49.160 --> 08:57:53.360
So both of these teams are doing such a good job keeping their opponents guessing

08:57:53.360 --> 08:57:55.600
And I think that's something that's very important to do

08:57:55.600 --> 08:57:58.560
into the restoration group to see this final setup here.

08:57:58.560 --> 08:58:01.080
Waz unfortunately gets cheap shot on his Trinket,

08:58:01.080 --> 08:58:03.920
a Calvish special, and manages to take it down,

08:58:03.920 --> 08:58:06.720
which is overwhelming when Walker won't damage it.

08:58:06.720 --> 08:58:09.920
In this kind of matchup, it really is up to Raikou

08:58:09.920 --> 08:58:11.200
to save his team.

08:58:11.200 --> 08:58:12.800
He needs to be there for the Dragon's Breath,

08:58:12.800 --> 08:58:14.920
the Polymorphs to ring a frost if he can.

08:58:14.920 --> 08:58:17.200
He gets locked down by Cunzie, becomes really difficult,

08:58:17.200 --> 08:58:19.360
but Raikou has to keep Waz alive.

08:58:19.360 --> 08:58:21.200
And unfortunately, he wasn't able to there.

08:58:21.200 --> 08:58:22.360
This was so crucial for them.

08:58:22.360 --> 08:58:24.980
Otherwise, they were looking down at that match point, right?

08:58:24.980 --> 08:58:26.620
To be able to get this for Gators back

08:58:26.620 --> 08:58:28.960
means that they have been able to really get back

08:58:28.960 --> 08:58:29.800
into the running.

08:58:29.800 --> 08:58:31.320
Suko, seeing how they played here,

08:58:31.320 --> 08:58:32.920
what really stood out to you?

08:58:32.920 --> 08:58:35.480
Just constant swaps, constant setups,

08:58:35.480 --> 08:58:37.560
using blind to prevent faint.

08:58:37.560 --> 08:58:39.360
So using a crowd control on the road

08:58:39.360 --> 08:58:40.440
before you go for the stun,

08:58:40.440 --> 08:58:42.000
because roads have an ability called faint.

08:58:42.000 --> 08:58:43.720
If they activate it before they get stunned,

08:58:43.720 --> 08:58:45.680
they take, next to no damage.

08:58:45.680 --> 08:58:47.720
So if you crowd control them before with a blind

08:58:47.720 --> 08:58:48.720
or a polymer for a gouge,

08:58:48.720 --> 08:58:50.800
you can prevent that ability's activation,

08:58:50.800 --> 08:58:53.920
and then KO them like we saw Calvish do there to Waz.

08:58:53.920 --> 08:58:55.640
So he understands the matchup,

08:58:55.640 --> 08:58:57.520
and I think that's why they want Calvish on Rogue.

08:58:57.520 --> 08:59:00.920
They want that tactical mind going head to head with Waz,

08:59:00.920 --> 08:59:03.080
and they're bringing Dayst's powerhouse damage

08:59:03.080 --> 08:59:04.720
on the Windwalker instead.

08:59:04.720 --> 08:59:06.480
Yeah, so this is really interesting

08:59:06.480 --> 08:59:10.000
because Echo, they have quite a good warlock on their team,

08:59:10.000 --> 08:59:12.280
so I don't think this is a composition

08:59:12.280 --> 08:59:13.560
that Gators back can blunt.

08:59:13.560 --> 08:59:15.400
Oh, you did it. Okay.

08:59:15.400 --> 08:59:17.280
I was gonna say, I don't think they can play this

08:59:17.280 --> 08:59:20.240
because Echo, I would be willing, oh, okay.

08:59:20.240 --> 08:59:24.600
What? That was wrong! I thought they'd bring in the Warlock, play some, you know, some Warlock mage,

08:59:24.600 --> 08:59:28.640
but no Echo is going to stick to this composition. They think that they can win this matchup,

08:59:28.640 --> 08:59:33.480
and this is something that Echo does quite often. Even if they lose a match, they want to play it out again.

08:59:33.480 --> 08:59:38.560
You know, maybe their opponent's got lucky. Maybe there's something that they could, you know, improve in the strategy.

08:59:38.560 --> 08:59:43.760
So if Echo can just lock in one composition and win with this, that's an ideal situation for them.

08:59:43.760 --> 08:59:48.160
Ziko, does this seem like par for the course with the Echo for you, or are you surprised by their choice here?

08:59:48.160 --> 08:59:52.540
Well, I'm surprised by Gator's choice to love the environment to be honest

08:59:53.500 --> 08:59:58.880
We're seeing a large map. So on that around of course, there's a giant crocodile in the sewers there

08:59:58.960 --> 09:00:00.960
Which is of course giving everyone

09:00:01.480 --> 09:00:03.480
Giving them a passive buff for sure

09:00:04.000 --> 09:00:10.480
Because that damage was absolutely insane, but on a large map. I think it's gonna be a little bit more tricky

09:00:10.720 --> 09:00:13.200
It shows confidence from the Gators

09:00:13.200 --> 09:00:19.280
So I like that that they just go with it and for echo. I think it was just a

09:00:20.120 --> 09:00:23.560
Perfect setup that came out from the gators like that's it mentioned

09:00:23.960 --> 09:00:28.580
Rooks have a spammable ability called blind called faints and it reduces damage taken

09:00:28.580 --> 09:00:35.060
So the most effective swap throw rogue is always gonna be you sheep him or your dragons breath him or you swap out of a

09:00:35.060 --> 09:00:40.400
Cyclone or a blind and then you try to hundred owe them and they did that when iron bark was down for JT

09:00:40.400 --> 09:00:45.680
So they're like iron workers down even if last drink it's we get stunning string get JT

09:00:45.680 --> 09:00:48.760
Even if he's not in ground control in this moment. He's not gonna have enough healing

09:00:48.760 --> 09:00:51.640
so they just perfectly set that up and

09:00:52.280 --> 09:00:59.220
It just shows a level of understanding of the game and confidence, but here we go game number four grand finals

09:00:59.760 --> 09:01:04.080
Echo versus Gators back. All right. We're coming into event. Take us in

09:01:04.560 --> 09:01:08.640
Let's see what they do. What is right? We're going to do here at the early stages of the match

09:01:10.400 --> 09:01:14.920
The double, the double X with Waz is in danger! Can they take him down?

09:01:14.920 --> 09:01:18.420
They get the Trinket from Waz in the open, or that is ideal for Gator's back.

09:01:18.420 --> 09:01:23.460
You, the full setup right there, it might exactly be a key to this type of situation.

09:01:23.460 --> 09:01:27.000
This is the event of 7, they set up on top, but he is in their form.

09:01:27.000 --> 09:01:32.420
He pre-anticipates that move and negates a huge amount of damage with that form of usage.

09:01:32.420 --> 09:01:35.100
And now they're at the pillar just recovering, trying to keep their moment.

09:01:35.100 --> 09:01:36.760
The kidney shot, the smoke bomb.

09:01:36.760 --> 09:01:39.760
Are they ready? Cut JT pre-Iron Bar, can they kill him through it?

09:01:39.760 --> 09:01:44.320
is now the question. Can they actually do it? They're getting close. Looks like not

09:01:44.320 --> 09:01:48.480
enough as was will pop the evasion. Oh, if they get behind him, though, he doesn't

09:01:48.480 --> 09:01:51.040
manage to finally top off. They blind him just seconds away from him being

09:01:51.040 --> 09:01:54.560
topped off. It's such a close one, but he's no trinket. GT no trinket was no

09:01:54.560 --> 09:01:58.480
trinket. Raikou needs to do something to stop this next setup. I actually don't

09:01:58.480 --> 09:02:01.120
like that blind. I think they got a little too excited there on the

09:02:01.120 --> 09:02:04.880
Gators. That was their next big win condition. But the good news is they

09:02:04.880 --> 09:02:07.440
said I have more of those win conditions because guess what?

09:02:07.440 --> 09:02:12.440
They have legs sweep, they have everything, they have the Zenith as well.

09:02:12.440 --> 09:02:17.440
Here you go for a big hit on the JT. Oh, nice gouge there onto Waz as well.

09:02:17.440 --> 09:02:23.440
Negating that swap on the PUBG, then they have a lot of time right now to set up a kill on the side of Gators.

09:02:23.440 --> 09:02:28.440
They could do it onto Waz, they could do it onto JT and Ekko knows it.

09:02:28.440 --> 09:02:32.440
One good setup here from Gators back, could win the game.

09:02:32.440 --> 09:02:36.440
Can they do it? Waz has gone to the 5th Disorder.JT.

09:02:36.440 --> 09:02:39.240
Right at the same time, Kalvish under fire.

09:02:39.240 --> 09:02:41.520
Ryfus trying to set up for his team.

09:02:41.520 --> 09:02:43.640
He gets some aggression here and put Gators back

09:02:43.640 --> 09:02:46.160
onto back foot, but Waz is still in danger.

09:02:46.160 --> 09:02:47.160
Stunned on JT.

09:02:47.160 --> 09:02:49.520
His crowd control is unrelenting from Fuzzy,

09:02:49.520 --> 09:02:51.160
but it looks like Waz finally stable now,

09:02:51.160 --> 09:02:52.600
swapping here onto Fuzzy.

09:02:52.600 --> 09:02:54.880
Trying to find their footing and find some momentum,

09:02:54.880 --> 09:02:56.480
but this is a composition that Echo likely

09:02:56.480 --> 09:02:58.320
have zero practice against.

09:02:58.320 --> 09:03:01.000
Gators back whipping this out seemingly on the fly

09:03:01.000 --> 09:03:03.400
as a curve fall to try and get an advantage.

09:03:03.400 --> 09:03:05.240
Waz getting cyclone at the moment by JT.

09:03:05.240 --> 09:03:09.160
Both teams playing passive, focused on shutting each other down in this moment in time.

09:03:09.160 --> 09:03:11.880
Dazed is trying to come forward, but he gets a zap on Waz.

09:03:11.880 --> 09:03:13.720
JT prepares, is it going to be enough?

09:03:13.720 --> 09:03:15.360
He seconds away from his trinket.

09:03:15.360 --> 09:03:17.840
He survives, in Cap World, they are shut down.

09:03:17.840 --> 09:03:22.280
That was beautiful by Ryke, so Ryke uses the ice over there on to Dazed,

09:03:22.280 --> 09:03:25.440
baits out these Tigers, Loveson that just pulled Nova's in when he has no dispel.

09:03:25.440 --> 09:03:29.840
So Dazed not able to connect on that scary situation there whatsoever.

09:03:29.840 --> 09:03:33.840
Ryke is playing out of his mind right now, defensively with that Dragon's Breath earlier as well.

09:03:33.840 --> 09:03:36.000
and has walked them enough time on Echo

09:03:36.000 --> 09:03:37.120
to actually get their cooldowns back,

09:03:37.120 --> 09:03:37.960
but guess what?

09:03:37.960 --> 09:03:38.960
Blast pops the death mark,

09:03:38.960 --> 09:03:39.840
here comes the combustion,

09:03:39.840 --> 09:03:41.840
but instantaneous gouch,

09:03:41.840 --> 09:03:44.480
instantaneous heals coming out also out,

09:03:44.480 --> 09:03:45.520
and they're turning it around,

09:03:45.520 --> 09:03:46.600
here comes the smoke bulb,

09:03:46.600 --> 09:03:47.680
here comes the gators,

09:03:47.680 --> 09:03:48.960
do they have the damage?

09:03:48.960 --> 09:03:51.040
Blast gonna be able to walk out potentially,

09:03:51.040 --> 09:03:52.240
JT still in ground control,

09:03:52.240 --> 09:03:53.840
Caroline, they're swapping to JT,

09:03:53.840 --> 09:03:54.800
they could take him down,

09:03:54.800 --> 09:03:56.000
March is still coming down,

09:03:56.000 --> 09:03:56.840
can they take him down?

09:03:56.840 --> 09:03:57.680
Oh no way!

09:03:57.680 --> 09:03:59.320
Oh my goodness, the damage is insane,

09:03:59.320 --> 09:04:01.520
but JT survives without his turn again.

09:04:01.520 --> 09:04:04.640
Oh my god, the green there from JT.

09:04:04.640 --> 09:04:05.880
I mean, that was a very good move,

09:04:05.880 --> 09:04:08.280
but now Taze is the danger, full-stunt on Kavzi.

09:04:08.280 --> 09:04:09.680
Kako looking to strike back.

09:04:09.680 --> 09:04:11.120
The Karma lands there for Taze,

09:04:11.120 --> 09:04:13.520
the major defensive cool-down for the Windwalker.

09:04:13.520 --> 09:04:16.880
A great play there by Taze to keep his team in the match.

09:04:16.880 --> 09:04:17.720
Where are they going to go?

09:04:17.720 --> 09:04:19.000
Gators back to the few openings here.

09:04:19.000 --> 09:04:21.200
They go after Watt, they get his trinket immediately,

09:04:21.200 --> 09:04:22.640
and the Evasion, look at this.

09:04:22.640 --> 09:04:25.320
Gaze, they're going after JT!

09:04:25.320 --> 09:04:26.880
Yeah, look who they do!

09:04:26.880 --> 09:04:27.880
The second point!

09:04:27.880 --> 09:04:30.840
Taze for Gators back, but potentially Taze needs to live.

09:04:30.840 --> 09:04:32.560
There could be a cross kill here.

09:04:32.560 --> 09:04:33.680
We'll see if they can do it.

09:04:33.680 --> 09:04:37.560
It's looking unlikely and Gators back likely to claim

09:04:37.560 --> 09:04:41.000
this game number four tying up this series.

09:04:41.000 --> 09:04:41.840
I've had this.

09:04:41.840 --> 09:04:43.880
Now this is a grand final to remember.

09:04:43.880 --> 09:04:46.200
This is one worthy of BlizzCon.

09:04:46.200 --> 09:04:47.040
Woo!

09:04:49.280 --> 09:04:52.120
These teams are playing at a caliber

09:04:52.120 --> 09:04:56.400
that showcases just how incredible the AWC can be.

09:04:56.400 --> 09:04:59.240
I mean, Ziko, can you believe what we're getting to witness?

09:04:59.240 --> 09:05:02.880
This is daylight robbery right now from the Gators.

09:05:02.880 --> 09:05:05.400
They go in, they force all of the cooldowns

09:05:05.400 --> 09:05:08.120
on that previous swap where JT was being greedy

09:05:08.120 --> 09:05:10.420
and then they immediately exit.

09:05:10.420 --> 09:05:12.960
They got their cooldowns, then they go back in,

09:05:12.960 --> 09:05:15.440
managed to find the kid, and then they also survive

09:05:15.440 --> 09:05:17.360
dodging that 2v2 situation.

09:05:17.360 --> 09:05:18.840
The Gators are back, baby.

09:05:18.840 --> 09:05:20.600
They are back for sure,

09:05:20.600 --> 09:05:22.400
and they are putting the pressure on Echo here.

09:05:22.400 --> 09:05:24.040
Also, let me just say in the commentary during that,

09:05:24.040 --> 09:05:25.760
the sentence, here comes the smoke bomb,

09:05:25.760 --> 09:05:26.720
here comes the Gators,

09:05:26.720 --> 09:05:29.640
was one of the most terrifying combination of things

09:05:29.640 --> 09:05:31.360
I can think about imaginable.

09:05:31.360 --> 09:05:34.120
But Super, let's recap some of what we got to see.

09:05:34.120 --> 09:05:35.680
I mean, this is just crazy plays.

09:05:35.680 --> 09:05:38.160
I really think that Dazed had the heads up move right here.

09:05:38.160 --> 09:05:41.200
He uses touch of karma and anticipates the incoming attack.

09:05:41.200 --> 09:05:43.000
It's a little bit earlier before that point.

09:05:43.000 --> 09:05:45.160
But if Dazed didn't make that play earlier on,

09:05:45.160 --> 09:05:46.680
he could have been incredibly vulnerable.

09:05:46.680 --> 09:05:48.400
So we're going to skip past that, unfortunately.

09:05:48.400 --> 09:05:50.520
But this swap on JT, catch him out of bear form.

09:05:50.520 --> 09:05:53.280
Even on the large map, they're able to navigate and find

09:05:53.280 --> 09:05:56.320
that swap, find that opportunity in the laser point

09:05:56.320 --> 09:05:58.820
and I can't believe that we are actually getting to see

09:05:58.820 --> 09:06:01.320
Kalvish versus Waz on the ropes.

09:06:01.320 --> 09:06:03.680
Typically in the finals, somebody backs out of that.

09:06:03.680 --> 09:06:05.560
They don't keep it to somebody's playing the warrior,

09:06:05.560 --> 09:06:07.400
but we are seeing the head-to-head on the rope,

09:06:07.400 --> 09:06:10.560
and I wonder if Echo are gonna have to evolve here

09:06:10.560 --> 09:06:11.680
in order to win this.

09:06:11.680 --> 09:06:13.400
I mean, it seems like it, right?

09:06:13.400 --> 09:06:14.600
Echo started out so strong,

09:06:14.600 --> 09:06:16.280
but now they're kind of in this position

09:06:16.280 --> 09:06:18.720
where we've seen Gators back have these wins.

09:06:18.720 --> 09:06:21.160
Does that kind of give them this kind of mental advantage

09:06:21.160 --> 09:06:22.160
as they keep pushing forward

09:06:22.160 --> 09:06:24.140
and is Echo gonna have to just push through

09:06:24.140 --> 09:06:26.000
to reestablish themselves then?

09:06:26.000 --> 09:06:40.000
this composition that we're seeing from Gators back, there's a reason why they're picking it. It is absolutely terrifying to play into because you have the lockdown of a subtlety rogue, especially from a playmaker like Calvish, and then dazed on that windlocker monk to really follow through with the damage.

09:06:40.000 --> 09:06:53.000
So you're stunned up and you are getting one shot. So for waz as well as JT, this is an absolutely horrific matchup to go into. And that's why I thought Ekko would pick a large map and play something else, maybe bring in Mercy on the warlock, bring in Ryku on the mage.

09:06:53.000 --> 09:06:57.040
there's not that clear vulnerability of was on the road because if he's not

09:06:57.040 --> 09:07:01.520
pre fainting the stunts he's likely going to die. Echo confidently once

09:07:01.520 --> 09:07:05.420
again locking in this matchup they feel like this is their best bet and these

09:07:05.420 --> 09:07:08.800
games have been close so you can't blend them. So with these wraps that we're just

09:07:08.800 --> 09:07:12.800
seeing now come out I mean obviously they're sticking with it but Ziko you

09:07:12.800 --> 09:07:16.320
seem shocked you seem surprised would you have gone a different direction. I feel

09:07:16.320 --> 09:07:20.960
like a frostmage would be kind of necessary in this matchup I mean it's

09:07:20.960 --> 09:07:28.120
It's just so hard for anybody on Echo to anticipate what is going to happen.

09:07:28.120 --> 09:07:31.120
Waz is targeting the entire game, all of a sudden there's a swap on your healer, he's

09:07:31.120 --> 09:07:32.320
almost going down.

09:07:32.320 --> 09:07:36.840
It's so easy, especially in a grand finals, especially in front of a live audience where

09:07:36.840 --> 09:07:39.720
there's so much on the line and there's no second chances.

09:07:39.720 --> 09:07:46.400
It is so easy to overuse your cooldowns against a terrorizing comp that the Gators are bringing

09:07:46.400 --> 09:07:49.240
because the burst is just absolutely insane.

09:07:49.240 --> 09:07:54.880
So, if you don't react fast enough, you just get through your trinket like we saw last fall on Valorant.

09:07:54.880 --> 09:08:00.920
But at the same time, if you respond too quickly, then they're going to get away with Robbery again.

09:08:00.920 --> 09:08:07.280
So, I don't know if I like this matchup, I feel like if I'm on Ekko, I would want to slow things down somehow.

09:08:07.280 --> 09:08:12.480
And maybe they'll find a way to do just that. Here the two teams have managed to tie themselves.

09:08:12.480 --> 09:08:16.840
We are looking more and more like we might go all the way to the end in this best of seven.

09:08:16.840 --> 09:08:19.600
Gators back versus Ekko, we're coming in here.

09:08:19.600 --> 09:08:21.600
This is an enormous moment for both of them.

09:08:21.600 --> 09:08:24.480
Whoever wins this next one can change the pace, Supa.

09:08:24.480 --> 09:08:26.520
This is the swing match.

09:08:26.520 --> 09:08:27.600
Can they do it?

09:08:27.600 --> 09:08:29.440
Gators back are in the arena.

09:08:29.440 --> 09:08:31.000
Deist is setting up his portal.

09:08:31.000 --> 09:08:32.160
Raku is getting combat.

09:08:32.160 --> 09:08:33.560
Kalpash is sneaking through.

09:08:33.560 --> 09:08:34.680
Will they find the staff?

09:08:34.680 --> 09:08:35.520
They're on top of each other.

09:08:35.520 --> 09:08:37.680
They set up on JT, just right off the rip.

09:08:37.680 --> 09:08:38.800
They force Waz to open.

09:08:38.800 --> 09:08:39.920
They catch him in the couch.

09:08:39.920 --> 09:08:40.920
That's a beautiful punch.

09:08:40.920 --> 09:08:42.400
They bait Waz out of stealth.

09:08:42.400 --> 09:08:44.320
They absolutely are destroyed.

09:08:44.320 --> 09:08:46.080
They get his trinket right in the opener.

09:08:46.080 --> 09:08:49.160
Dazed baited was, and he fell for it. Hook, run, and sinker.

09:08:49.780 --> 09:08:54.000
That was an absolutely beautiful bait to start off the game here from the Gators.

09:08:54.000 --> 09:08:56.500
They get West Trinket here, and now they're gonna have big options.

09:08:56.500 --> 09:08:58.300
Here comes the smoke bomb, ult to Catfish.

09:08:58.300 --> 09:09:00.060
Trinket almost gets stunned on his Trinket.

09:09:00.060 --> 09:09:02.180
Cheddar's on top, Cubsie's sitting through the Cyclone.

09:09:02.180 --> 09:09:04.320
They do not want to use Cubsie's Trinket in this position.

09:09:04.320 --> 09:09:04.900
And Pauli-Martin.

09:09:04.900 --> 09:09:05.740
Pauli-Martin as well.

09:09:05.740 --> 09:09:06.880
Riker's pushing for more.

09:09:06.880 --> 09:09:07.380
He knows-

09:09:07.380 --> 09:09:08.500
Oh, Riker's going in!

09:09:08.500 --> 09:09:11.940
Can they do it? Big, big CC still following through here.

09:09:11.940 --> 09:09:12.700
Oh, no way!

09:09:12.700 --> 09:09:13.820
Oh, my God!

09:09:13.820 --> 09:09:20.820
How did he pre-earn bar that? He saw that. He saw that 20 seconds in advance.

09:09:20.820 --> 09:09:35.820
Yeah, Calvish will end up holding on, but what a close call. I love the aggressive plays, but JT getting swapped to once again. Calvish is soloing him on that row, but JT does not trade the trinket. He does not trade the park skin, and that's why that was such a close call, a scary situation.

09:09:35.820 --> 09:09:37.820
Now Calvish once again in trouble.

09:09:37.820 --> 09:09:39.060
Pubsie not messing around immediately.

09:09:39.060 --> 09:09:40.180
Trinkets, but he gets corroded.

09:09:40.180 --> 09:09:41.740
Nice play there by Waz.

09:09:41.740 --> 09:09:43.700
And Calvish once again is on the run.

09:09:43.700 --> 09:09:45.820
That blinds is on DR by Waz.

09:09:45.820 --> 09:09:47.740
They lose their win condition right there with that.

09:09:47.740 --> 09:09:50.020
That was a major crowd control blunder on Waz's part.

09:09:50.020 --> 09:09:51.540
JT and Waz are retreating.

09:09:51.540 --> 09:09:53.740
Dazed is chasing them, keeping Waz in combat,

09:09:53.740 --> 09:09:56.300
preventing the restyle, which is vital as the assassination

09:09:56.300 --> 09:09:57.300
rogues.

09:09:57.300 --> 09:09:58.020
There's paralyzed.

09:09:58.020 --> 09:09:58.620
He has no legs.

09:09:58.620 --> 09:09:59.540
He's got a double leg.

09:09:59.540 --> 09:10:01.100
So if JT hit him here with it, he

09:10:01.100 --> 09:10:03.340
trinkets the clone and tree forms immediately

09:10:03.340 --> 09:10:05.860
to recover was in that moment of anticipation.

09:10:05.860 --> 09:10:08.020
But now, Kingsbane combustion available.

09:10:08.020 --> 09:10:10.380
Kalvish no trinkets, Cubs you no trinkets.

09:10:10.380 --> 09:10:11.660
Does Daze have a grapple weapon?

09:10:11.660 --> 09:10:13.700
Can Daze do something here to help?

09:10:13.700 --> 09:10:16.380
Because here comes the crowd control, full polymorph,

09:10:16.380 --> 09:10:18.380
and the damage is almost blind.

09:10:18.380 --> 09:10:20.140
And they can't get to it in time.

09:10:20.140 --> 09:10:21.540
Kalvish shuts him down,

09:10:21.540 --> 09:10:24.660
and Kalvish is having an amazing game five.

09:10:24.660 --> 09:10:27.620
Oh my God, that instant reaction by Kalvish

09:10:27.620 --> 09:10:29.300
to blind Waz defensively there.

09:10:29.300 --> 09:10:30.700
He's the only reason why the Gators

09:10:30.700 --> 09:10:31.980
are not out of this game right now.

09:10:31.980 --> 09:10:33.100
But here comes the setup.

09:10:33.100 --> 09:10:34.640
Who is he going to be on?

09:10:34.640 --> 09:10:36.460
Beautiful setup coming through.

09:10:36.460 --> 09:10:38.180
They get a Cyclone on to Cubsy as well.

09:10:38.180 --> 09:10:39.700
But this arm is there.

09:10:39.700 --> 09:10:41.820
They're just playing so well defensively right now

09:10:41.820 --> 09:10:43.060
on the side of the Gators.

09:10:43.060 --> 09:10:44.620
Here comes the keeping shot Cubsy though.

09:10:44.620 --> 09:10:45.740
Not in any crap control.

09:10:45.740 --> 09:10:47.740
Should have an easy time dealing with this.

09:10:47.740 --> 09:10:50.140
Still keeps the Iron Buck in his back pocket

09:10:50.140 --> 09:10:51.780
as well for future use.

09:10:51.780 --> 09:10:53.380
And Cubs is going to have his trinket in 15 seconds.

09:10:53.380 --> 09:10:54.540
So they need to act fast.

09:10:54.540 --> 09:10:55.380
There's the cheap shot.

09:10:55.380 --> 09:10:56.300
Can they get the ring of frost?

09:10:56.300 --> 09:10:58.060
No, it gets interrupted.

09:10:58.060 --> 09:11:00.500
And the Gators are on point defensively.

09:11:00.500 --> 09:11:01.700
Triple Dragon's breath as well.

09:11:01.700 --> 09:11:04.920
just to start it out here for a second, but the Gators have recovered.

09:11:04.920 --> 09:11:07.920
Yeah, both these teams green and rentable job denying the setup.

09:11:07.920 --> 09:11:10.760
So Waz is getting low on health retreating here just for a moment.

09:11:10.760 --> 09:11:14.900
And JT had a beautiful preemptive iron bar on Waz buying time for this trinket.

09:11:14.900 --> 09:11:19.220
Now a big aggressive push here onto Calvish, but unfortunately just no damage to follow it up.

09:11:19.220 --> 09:11:22.920
Cyclone will now be used on Calvish, and that was a beautiful ring of peace thereby.

09:11:22.920 --> 09:11:25.600
Dazed, who now wants to get aggressive by pushing onto Waz.

09:11:26.440 --> 09:11:29.260
See if he's able to get on target. Waz has been so patient.

09:11:29.260 --> 09:11:33.500
He has all of his cooldowns to absolutely smash someone right now, but he's caught in a kidney shot.

09:11:33.500 --> 09:11:35.420
He is exploding. Will he survive another one?

09:11:35.420 --> 09:11:40.580
He gets incapped on his trinket into a cheap shot, into a swapping, and he is greeting it.

09:11:40.580 --> 09:11:45.540
He is sitting through the Suns. He's greeting it. He barks, skins late. It's enough. JT will survive.

09:11:45.540 --> 09:11:50.540
He's now switching his yellow-time effects to Waz. Waz is trying to get aggressive, cloaking, so he can't get cyclone.

09:11:50.540 --> 09:11:53.700
Combustion is up. Daze is retreating. He gets caught behind the pillar.

09:11:53.700 --> 09:11:57.420
He can't connect enough damage to finish him here at this moment in time.

09:11:57.420 --> 09:12:01.660
Banna is starting to get tight on both sides. We're not even three and a half minutes into this game

09:12:01.660 --> 09:12:05.480
I can't leave there. It's just so low on man. I think JT might be trying to drink right now

09:12:05.740 --> 09:12:10.660
Yeah, the intensity is just something else right now both teams just taking a breather for a second here

09:12:10.660 --> 09:12:12.660
They see managers to get a little bit of matter, but they're

09:12:14.660 --> 09:12:16.660
Stunning strength at the end of smoke ball

09:12:18.820 --> 09:12:20.820
Can they get a CC they do

09:12:27.420 --> 09:12:30.420
and the Gators take the swing match.

09:12:30.420 --> 09:12:33.420
Gators back are now in the driver's seat.

09:12:33.420 --> 09:12:34.420
They are up in the series.

09:12:34.420 --> 09:12:37.420
They take the swing match from Echo,

09:12:37.420 --> 09:12:40.420
and they are looking unstoppable on this composition.

09:12:40.420 --> 09:12:42.420
The roar from the BlizzCon audience

09:12:42.420 --> 09:12:45.420
was deafening as they got that kill.

09:12:45.420 --> 09:12:50.420
Gators back wrapping for NA here on NA turf.

09:12:50.420 --> 09:12:52.420
Gators back have surprised us.

09:12:52.420 --> 09:12:55.420
We knew they were the top of NA,

09:12:55.420 --> 09:12:59.260
But now they are out to prove that they are the top of the world.

09:12:59.260 --> 09:13:00.820
This was a huge one for them.

09:13:00.820 --> 09:13:03.220
And you know, we said that if you wanted to take down Echo,

09:13:03.220 --> 09:13:05.020
you had to surprise them.

09:13:05.020 --> 09:13:07.700
And I think that Gators back kept on just that bad.

09:13:07.700 --> 09:13:08.940
Well, let's not forget.

09:13:08.940 --> 09:13:11.940
I mean, if Gators back was planning this matchup,

09:13:11.940 --> 09:13:14.060
they didn't reveal it in the last series.

09:13:14.060 --> 09:13:16.820
They actually held it as kind of like a pocket pick.

09:13:16.820 --> 09:13:19.300
You know, when everything was on the line in the semifinals,

09:13:19.300 --> 09:13:20.940
they didn't show this at all.

09:13:20.940 --> 09:13:24.340
This seems like something they specifically picked for Echo

09:13:24.340 --> 09:13:28.940
for the finals and I mean that is very impressive. I mean it's incredible to see

09:13:28.940 --> 09:13:32.700
and we'll get a little bit of a revisit on that now. Let me take a look at its eco.

09:13:32.700 --> 09:13:37.700
Yeah I mean this was a crazy greedy play from from JT a little bit later on going

09:13:37.700 --> 09:13:41.260
for that drink so I really love what they did here. They cycloned JT with the

09:13:41.260 --> 09:13:45.220
NSWIFT, they cycloned, in-cap roar him and then swap to him. Get his drink it that

09:13:45.220 --> 09:13:48.940
way and then JT was going for a drink there. They stunned Waz then they get

09:13:48.940 --> 09:13:52.060
another stun on his drink it with the smoke bomb and then they managed to

09:13:52.060 --> 09:13:55.860
close the gap there with I think it was a paralyze in the end there that allowed

09:13:55.860 --> 09:13:59.260
them both to just connect for that touch of death. We had to try to do a defensive

09:13:59.260 --> 09:14:03.900
smoke bomb right at the end but it just was too little too late and that's the

09:14:03.900 --> 09:14:08.220
problem if you try to get away with greed and try to stall it out like that

09:14:08.220 --> 09:14:12.820
the Gators they're so good comes he was forged in dampening like he's not gonna

09:14:12.820 --> 09:14:16.740
allow that to happen and they immediately managed to catch him right at the end

09:14:16.740 --> 09:14:23.300
there to finish off the match and now we are in a very very sus position here if

09:14:23.300 --> 09:14:28.100
you're equal because if you lose one more that's it and you have a lot of

09:14:28.100 --> 09:14:32.540
confidence to choose from how would you like the next game to be served I mean

09:14:32.540 --> 09:14:36.460
they're gonna have to figure it out and they have to adapt here you know we saw

09:14:36.460 --> 09:14:39.580
them kind of stick with what they were going hey we're strong in this let's

09:14:39.580 --> 09:14:43.460
just keep at it maybe we can win this match up but right now there's not

09:14:43.460 --> 09:14:47.500
really a maybe we can win it you have to feel confident that what you have is

09:14:47.500 --> 09:14:50.700
going to counter I mean super what do you think they're going to do will they

09:14:50.700 --> 09:14:53.420
adjust or will they really just try to see it through it feels like the

09:14:53.420 --> 09:14:57.020
assassination rogue it's more volatile eventually it runs out of vanishes it

09:14:57.020 --> 09:15:00.580
runs out of the ability to appeal the attacker so if they can survive that

09:15:00.580 --> 09:15:03.980
initial to vanish window they're a lot more stable and they start just running

09:15:03.980 --> 09:15:07.580
away with the game so I actually think the assassination rogue is the

09:15:07.580 --> 09:15:11.620
vulnerability the main vulnerability that they could pivot around and they're

09:15:11.620 --> 09:15:18.380
not backing down. Gators back there on match point. They just need to win one more map with K came as close as he could to winning

09:15:18.380 --> 09:15:22.620
BlizzCon all of those years ago and his team is just one map away once again.

09:15:22.620 --> 09:15:27.940
If they lose it here, you know it would be heartbreaking, but it doesn't look like that is likely.

09:15:27.940 --> 09:15:33.420
Echo have to find some way to adapt because Gators back have just figured out how they want to approach this.

09:15:33.420 --> 09:15:37.100
They've brought that surprise element and they have found out how to make it work.

09:15:37.100 --> 09:15:38.100
I can't believe it.

09:15:38.100 --> 09:15:39.100
Now we see that.

09:15:39.100 --> 09:15:43.100
I mean, Echo, is this going to do it for them?

09:15:43.100 --> 09:15:45.100
I just am so surprised that they're not

09:15:45.100 --> 09:15:46.100
tagging in Mercy here.

09:15:46.100 --> 09:15:49.100
I will say, psychologically, this is a very difficult position

09:15:49.100 --> 09:15:50.100
to be in.

09:15:50.100 --> 09:15:52.100
You're up 2-0 in the series, right?

09:15:52.100 --> 09:15:53.100
You're looking good.

09:15:53.100 --> 09:15:54.100
Things are going well.

09:15:54.100 --> 09:15:55.100
And then all of a sudden, you lose one game.

09:15:55.100 --> 09:15:56.100
You lose two.

09:15:56.100 --> 09:15:57.100
You lose three.

09:15:57.100 --> 09:16:00.100
And now you're on match point to be eliminated.

09:16:00.100 --> 09:16:03.100
And Echo are the defending champions right now.

09:16:03.100 --> 09:16:06.100
So they have a lot to prove here in this matchup.

09:16:06.100 --> 09:16:08.100
I don't know if you can see

09:16:08.100 --> 09:16:10.100
what they do, but I'm just not

09:16:10.100 --> 09:16:11.100
sure about this composition.

09:16:11.100 --> 09:16:12.100
Obviously, Rogue made Druid is

09:16:12.100 --> 09:16:14.100
great, but I feel like at this

09:16:14.100 --> 09:16:16.100
point, Gators back, they're

09:16:16.100 --> 09:16:18.100
proving why they're picking this

09:16:18.100 --> 09:16:20.100
Windwalker subtlety Rogue

09:16:20.100 --> 09:16:22.100
composition. It seems very

09:16:22.100 --> 09:16:24.100
effective into the Druid Rogue.

09:16:24.100 --> 09:16:26.100
They are, and you know, honestly,

09:16:26.100 --> 09:16:28.100
as you pointed out, as everybody

09:16:28.100 --> 09:16:30.100
pointed out, to keep this under

09:16:30.100 --> 09:16:32.100
their hats this whole time was

09:16:32.100 --> 09:16:34.100
such a move. They planned for

09:16:34.100 --> 09:16:38.220
point for them as we look ahead to this final perhaps map,

09:16:38.220 --> 09:16:40.620
but Echo have a chance to bring it back.

09:16:40.620 --> 09:16:42.100
They have to win this one.

09:16:42.100 --> 09:16:43.260
They have to stay in it.

09:16:43.260 --> 09:16:44.980
They have to prove why they are some of the most

09:16:44.980 --> 09:16:48.520
decorated players in AWC history.

09:16:48.520 --> 09:16:52.020
But Gators back, they sense that blood in the water

09:16:52.020 --> 09:16:54.140
and they are out for the kill.

09:16:54.140 --> 09:16:56.020
Can they get this fourth point?

09:16:56.020 --> 09:16:57.700
They're certainly going to try.

09:16:57.700 --> 09:17:00.900
Then I mean, this is going to be the high point

09:17:00.900 --> 09:17:02.780
of the AWC this year.

09:17:02.780 --> 09:17:05.900
Yeah, put your hands together for these two teams,

09:17:05.900 --> 09:17:08.380
putting on an absolute show for us here.

09:17:08.380 --> 09:17:13.580
At BlizzCon, match point between Gator's back and Ekko.

09:17:13.580 --> 09:17:16.700
Ekko needs to win this one if they are going to stay alive.

09:17:16.700 --> 09:17:17.700
Gator's back.

09:17:17.700 --> 09:17:20.300
Looking to become a champion.

09:17:20.300 --> 09:17:22.060
Oh, is he going to get faked again?

09:17:22.060 --> 09:17:22.780
It looks like he will.

09:17:22.780 --> 09:17:23.740
He gets gouged up.

09:17:23.740 --> 09:17:25.420
They force his hand.

09:17:25.420 --> 09:17:26.780
They don't get this one.

09:17:26.780 --> 09:17:27.740
Beautiful peels.

09:17:27.740 --> 09:17:28.780
They do get the kidney shot now.

09:17:28.780 --> 09:17:29.460
Cheap shots.

09:17:29.460 --> 09:17:30.380
Are they going to follow it up?

09:17:30.380 --> 09:17:32.460
It's a nice blow to the winner.

09:17:32.460 --> 09:17:34.580
Cyclone on JT and Watt stays alive.

09:17:34.580 --> 09:17:35.980
Now pressure on JT.

09:17:35.980 --> 09:17:37.300
Kabzeb is going to recover.

09:17:37.300 --> 09:17:39.860
Echo's Empire is on the line.

09:17:39.860 --> 09:17:42.820
They are the reigning champions seven years ago

09:17:42.820 --> 09:17:44.940
in the running and they are one loss away

09:17:44.940 --> 09:17:46.300
from losing their title.

09:17:46.300 --> 09:17:50.380
The Gators are looking to chomp their way to a victory here

09:17:50.380 --> 09:17:52.020
and become your new champions.

09:17:52.020 --> 09:17:52.860
Can they do it?

09:17:52.860 --> 09:17:55.340
They've got them the first cooldown off the checklist,

09:17:55.340 --> 09:17:57.260
which is of course a bucket from Watt.

09:17:57.260 --> 09:17:58.660
But here comes another counter attack.

09:17:58.660 --> 09:18:00.780
Kalvish has to respect the smoke bomb.

09:18:00.780 --> 09:18:03.320
can trade on his trinket, there's a gouch on the wasp.

09:18:03.320 --> 09:18:04.460
They do it right now.

09:18:04.460 --> 09:18:06.840
Nice paralyze on the right, the way he runs.

09:18:06.840 --> 09:18:10.120
And that is going to allow Ryker to peel the situation

09:18:10.120 --> 09:18:12.840
with a dragon breath, JT, holding onto his trinket.

09:18:12.840 --> 09:18:15.160
Very unfortunate that that paralyze broke.

09:18:15.160 --> 09:18:17.200
Otherwise, that could have been JT's trinket.

09:18:17.200 --> 09:18:20.200
But still, the pressure is insane here from the getters.

09:18:20.200 --> 09:18:21.840
Talvish in a little bit of danger here.

09:18:21.840 --> 09:18:23.640
It looks like a rake stun goes out on the cubs.

09:18:23.640 --> 09:18:25.480
The Calvish is getting low, but a counter-stun here

09:18:25.480 --> 09:18:27.480
on the wasp, great peels by days.

09:18:27.480 --> 09:18:29.480
But unfortunately, it puts wasp on the stun,

09:18:29.480 --> 09:18:31.760
Finishing return, beautiful ring of peace as well.

09:18:31.760 --> 09:18:34.920
They're doing excellent job just buying time for his team,

09:18:34.920 --> 09:18:36.720
keeping them alive and allowing them to get

09:18:36.720 --> 09:18:37.840
another setup in the future.

09:18:37.840 --> 09:18:39.520
Raikou switch to Pandaren.

09:18:39.520 --> 09:18:41.880
So you can have an instant crowd control for the setups.

09:18:41.880 --> 09:18:44.600
That is a very heads up play on Raikou's pardon.

09:18:44.600 --> 09:18:46.680
It could be vital to their team's success.

09:18:46.680 --> 09:18:49.440
Waz is committing for the win and Deis sees it immediately

09:18:49.440 --> 09:18:50.880
responding with his touch of karma.

09:18:50.880 --> 09:18:52.640
Now Calvish engages, get the shot.

09:18:52.640 --> 09:18:53.560
It's match point.

09:18:53.560 --> 09:18:54.880
JT gets stunned on his trinket.

09:18:54.880 --> 09:18:56.320
They're swapping to JT.

09:18:56.320 --> 09:18:57.560
And are they going the distance?

09:18:57.560 --> 09:19:03.680
So, not just yet, JT stays alive in Kepler's cyclone attempt by him now, on to Cubsi.

09:19:03.680 --> 09:19:05.040
They're trying to find a target.

09:19:05.040 --> 09:19:06.040
Kidney shot not available.

09:19:06.040 --> 09:19:07.040
Combustion not up.

09:19:07.040 --> 09:19:08.040
That cyclone gets nothing done.

09:19:08.040 --> 09:19:09.040
JT gets combo.

09:19:09.040 --> 09:19:11.400
Of course, he tries to chain it, but his team just doesn't have damage.

09:19:11.400 --> 09:19:12.960
Yeah, they can't reach Calvish.

09:19:12.960 --> 09:19:13.960
He's too slippery on the rope.

09:19:13.960 --> 09:19:17.960
He's just staying away perfectly when his healer is in battle zone.

09:19:17.960 --> 09:19:22.200
But here comes the guard signers on the Cubsi, and the Kidney shot onto Calvish with no damage

09:19:22.200 --> 09:19:23.200
to follow it up.

09:19:23.200 --> 09:19:25.800
Now, Ekko has to run, because guess what?

09:19:25.800 --> 09:19:28.560
The Gators are coming to chump up Waz here.

09:19:28.560 --> 09:19:29.500
What is he gonna do?

09:19:29.500 --> 09:19:32.460
He tries to pre-faith, defensive blind, coming out onto Daze

09:19:32.460 --> 09:19:34.940
right before the kidney, and a defensive shift.

09:19:34.940 --> 09:19:37.940
Excellent defense here from Ekko to survive that setup.

09:19:37.940 --> 09:19:38.800
And guess what?

09:19:38.800 --> 09:19:39.640
JT's up something.

09:19:39.640 --> 09:19:40.140
Here it is!

09:19:40.140 --> 09:19:42.440
Here comes the damage onto JT.

09:19:42.440 --> 09:19:45.600
Nice in-cap roar out of the stunts, and they continue to chain.

09:19:45.600 --> 09:19:49.840
JT sweating bullets right now, but he manages to recover again.

09:19:49.840 --> 09:19:52.160
Very tense situation, but JT handles it well.

09:19:52.160 --> 09:19:56.060
Set up now on Calvish comes in a cyclone. They're not panicking Calvish has a close

09:19:56.060 --> 09:19:56.560
Oh!

09:19:56.560 --> 09:20:02.900
And he's under the drain and he's so low! Greedy plays there by Calvish and the cost is an overlap with the iron bar

09:20:02.900 --> 09:20:07.580
So a little bit of no to the defense there of Gator's back. Echo strikes back in a big way

09:20:07.580 --> 09:20:09.580
Oh, they get punished Calvish was so greedy

09:20:09.580 --> 09:20:14.380
He does still have the smoke bomb but no trinket opening for him at this moment in time doubling Cabrera Cubsi

09:20:14.380 --> 09:20:18.260
Setting up the team. Kittney chopper follow up, but JT gets iron bar. He's gonna be fine

09:20:18.260 --> 09:20:20.360
and he's in bear form anticipating the swap.

09:20:20.360 --> 09:20:22.320
Tree form up for JT, now he will recover.

09:20:22.320 --> 09:20:23.760
He will re-stabilize.

09:20:23.760 --> 09:20:25.200
J's has like three available,

09:20:25.200 --> 09:20:27.080
but they have most than 90 yards just yet.

09:20:27.080 --> 09:20:28.820
Cubs, his mana is looking rough.

09:20:28.820 --> 09:20:32.160
If Echo can just hold on, they're looking solid here.

09:20:32.160 --> 09:20:33.560
Yeah, let's see if they can do it.

09:20:33.560 --> 09:20:35.640
Double Dragon's breath coming out offensively,

09:20:35.640 --> 09:20:37.440
and a nice Panda Rage are coming out as well.

09:20:37.440 --> 09:20:39.040
They're swapping to Calvish again,

09:20:39.040 --> 09:20:41.040
but Calvish is going to be able to survive.

09:20:41.040 --> 09:20:41.880
That guy's home.

09:20:41.880 --> 09:20:42.720
Uh-oh!

09:20:42.720 --> 09:20:43.560
Here comes the set up.

09:20:43.560 --> 09:20:44.400
Let's get in!

09:20:44.400 --> 09:20:45.960
Two wilds, he's going to trigger it up immediately.

09:20:45.960 --> 09:20:46.800
He gets on the trinket!

09:20:46.800 --> 09:20:49.640
Thunder trinket, has the global shadows pops it as well.

09:20:49.640 --> 09:20:51.440
Waz is not messing around here.

09:20:51.440 --> 09:20:53.440
He used these entire swaps there.

09:20:53.440 --> 09:20:55.320
Another swap coming out onto JT.

09:20:55.320 --> 09:20:57.840
JT's going to use the bar skin and look how quick the Gators

09:20:57.840 --> 09:21:01.040
are to switch back as soon as the cooldown gets used.

09:21:01.040 --> 09:21:04.240
Now, I am so scared because JT could get stunned and die

09:21:04.240 --> 09:21:05.200
and so could Waz.

09:21:05.200 --> 09:21:06.520
Oh my god, they stopped Ring of Frost

09:21:06.520 --> 09:21:08.280
and they stopped Cyclone there on Cubs.

09:21:08.280 --> 09:21:11.000
That was a beautiful shutdown by their team right now.

09:21:11.000 --> 09:21:13.200
Can they find their target, Garote, engagement?

09:21:13.200 --> 09:21:14.680
Cyclone and Cubs, you know, trinket

09:21:14.680 --> 09:21:16.680
and they might get punished for that overlap earlier on

09:21:16.680 --> 09:21:18.120
another Cyclone from JT.

09:21:18.120 --> 09:21:20.000
We see Dazed using Karma preemptively,

09:21:20.000 --> 09:21:21.160
but Kalvish is floundering.

09:21:21.160 --> 09:21:22.280
He's struggling right now.

09:21:22.280 --> 09:21:24.560
It's so much damage for Khamzei to do it.

09:21:24.560 --> 09:21:27.360
He's finally able to re-stabilize and find his momentum.

09:21:27.360 --> 09:21:29.200
Now, they don't have smoke bomb, but they do have blades.

09:21:29.200 --> 09:21:30.520
They have multiple stuns.

09:21:30.520 --> 09:21:32.840
Waz is the vulnerability, but they have blind,

09:21:32.840 --> 09:21:34.280
as Kalvish can be able to find Waz.

09:21:34.280 --> 09:21:35.520
Here, Raikou is blasting.

09:21:35.520 --> 09:21:36.360
And he rags around.

09:21:36.360 --> 09:21:39.120
He's trying to piece him into a sap around the corner.

09:21:39.120 --> 09:21:40.040
Raikou plinks in.

09:21:40.040 --> 09:21:41.160
Raikou plinks in.

09:21:41.160 --> 09:21:42.040
He gets the dragon breath.

09:21:42.040 --> 09:21:43.040
Is it going to be enough?

09:21:43.040 --> 09:21:46.000
It's so much damage that they can't act!

09:21:46.000 --> 09:21:50.880
I can't believe it, once Shadow Steps out and survives.

09:21:50.880 --> 09:21:54.200
What a sick setup coming in from the Gators.

09:21:54.200 --> 09:21:56.400
The Ring of Peace does not put you in combat.

09:21:56.400 --> 09:21:59.760
Bounces him, he tells him where he is after he takes the eye.

09:21:59.760 --> 09:22:02.800
Bounces him into his range to get that sap.

09:22:02.800 --> 09:22:04.200
Beautiful, beautiful setup.

09:22:04.200 --> 09:22:06.760
The Gators can taste the victory, but here comes...

09:22:06.760 --> 09:22:08.320
Oh, look at the blood!

09:22:08.320 --> 09:22:09.480
Can they do it?

09:22:09.480 --> 09:22:13.040
Gavrish so low on HP, gets the Globe of Shadows off,

09:22:13.040 --> 09:22:14.720
comes into his side, but still...

09:22:14.720 --> 09:22:16.000
Oh, no!

09:22:16.000 --> 09:22:17.600
Where does Mike just go down as well?

09:22:17.600 --> 09:22:20.080
Go up in the hit list of JT still in crowd control.

09:22:20.080 --> 09:22:21.080
No way!

09:22:21.080 --> 09:22:23.080
Oh, my god!

09:22:23.080 --> 09:22:25.560
The champions have done it!

09:22:25.560 --> 09:22:29.560
North America, now the Acecon champions.

09:22:34.680 --> 09:22:39.480
What an incredible performance by Gators back,

09:22:39.480 --> 09:22:43.320
finding that game-winning setup in those final moments.

09:22:43.320 --> 09:22:50.200
I mean these guys came to play in absolutely beautiful performance North America are your

09:22:51.120 --> 09:22:53.120
a WC BlizzCon 2026

09:22:54.240 --> 09:22:56.240
champions

09:22:56.280 --> 09:23:05.560
Gators back absolutely proved here at least for now that NA are the champions of all of the world across regions across

09:23:06.480 --> 09:23:09.080
compositions even bringing in this swap and

09:23:09.080 --> 09:23:13.600
And absolutely taking down Echo with it for this final series.

09:23:13.600 --> 09:23:19.140
I mean, what an unforgettable way to end the AWC, seriously, Super.

09:23:19.140 --> 09:23:25.440
We have a new Empire as the Gators reign supreme for North America.

09:23:25.440 --> 09:23:27.280
What a crazy series.

09:23:27.280 --> 09:23:29.800
We're expecting Roat Mage all the way through.

09:23:29.800 --> 09:23:31.480
They hide this composition.

09:23:31.480 --> 09:23:38.200
They show nobody until the grand finals and Echo do not have enough time to adapt.

09:23:38.200 --> 09:23:42.960
They are obviously celebrating here and congratulating the winners as well.

09:23:42.960 --> 09:23:45.960
Really respected team here on the side of Echo.

09:23:45.960 --> 09:23:47.680
Highest teams for them.

09:23:47.680 --> 09:23:49.360
It's been seven years in the making.

09:23:49.360 --> 09:23:50.360
We finally got it.

09:23:50.360 --> 09:23:52.440
North America versus Europe.

09:23:52.440 --> 09:23:53.440
It has been settled.

09:23:53.440 --> 09:24:01.120
Absolutely phenomenal seeing what they were able to do here and a really stepping up and

09:24:01.120 --> 09:24:05.360
making sure that even if it was seven years in the making it was worth every one of those

09:24:05.360 --> 09:24:07.040
years to wait for.

09:24:07.040 --> 09:24:11.380
Now the team coming in here to claim their prize as the trophies go up.

09:24:11.380 --> 09:24:18.220
Everyone, you have your Glint God, 2026 AWC champions.

09:24:18.220 --> 09:24:24.640
Give it up, we need to hear this house come down for Gators back.

09:24:24.640 --> 09:24:29.960
They proved that despite the competition, despite the legends echo standing before

09:24:29.960 --> 09:24:33.840
them, that Gators back could rise and make them fall.

09:24:33.840 --> 09:24:38.180
This was a phenomenal series and a huge congratulations

09:24:38.180 --> 09:24:39.480
to the team.

09:24:39.480 --> 09:24:43.480
I cannot believe what we got to see today.

09:24:43.480 --> 09:24:45.160
We are gonna head over to the stage with IA

09:24:45.160 --> 09:24:48.000
because no doubt everyone wants to celebrate

09:24:48.000 --> 09:24:49.200
with Gatorsback.

09:24:49.200 --> 09:24:54.200
All right, congratulations to Gatorsback.

09:24:54.200 --> 09:25:07.400
I can barely hear myself in this audience this is incredible the amount of support you had.

09:25:07.400 --> 09:25:11.920
AWC has not seen the BlizzCon stage for seven years.

09:25:11.920 --> 09:25:15.520
What does this moment mean to you?

09:25:15.520 --> 09:25:16.520
It's just amazing.

09:25:16.520 --> 09:25:18.520
I don't even have any other words.

09:25:18.520 --> 09:25:19.520
I can't.

09:25:19.520 --> 09:25:20.520
I'm at a loss.

09:25:20.520 --> 09:25:21.520
You got to talk to Calvin.

09:25:21.520 --> 09:25:24.800
I'm at a loss. You got to talk to Calvin that's fine. That's fine

09:25:28.480 --> 09:25:35.680
Looking back to when you guys first formed this roster, did you imagine that you would be standing here someday? I think I

09:25:36.360 --> 09:25:38.720
Think I did. I think I did imagine it

09:25:41.160 --> 09:25:42.920
Amazing, I love the confidence

09:25:42.920 --> 09:25:44.320
All right days

09:25:44.320 --> 09:25:49.120
You've got your entire family over here all the way from Wisconsin. What does it mean to have their support?

09:25:49.120 --> 09:25:52.720
I mean, they're the best, they're the best family in the world for sure.

09:25:53.440 --> 09:25:56.320
It's easy, it's easy. They're the best for sure.

09:25:56.320 --> 09:25:59.520
Is there anything you'd like to say to all your other supporters out in the audience today?

09:25:59.520 --> 09:26:00.960
DZV Army!

09:26:00.960 --> 09:26:02.960
CHEERING

09:26:06.240 --> 09:26:07.920
Do you want me to skip you again?

09:26:07.920 --> 09:26:09.040
Okay.

09:26:09.040 --> 09:26:10.240
All right.

09:26:10.240 --> 09:26:13.760
Any final thoughts, anything that you'd like to say from your performance for today?

09:26:14.560 --> 09:26:17.760
Thanks to all the fans, thanks to everyone back home watching.

09:26:17.760 --> 09:26:19.760
Hi, mom

09:26:20.280 --> 09:26:25.100
Hi, mom. All right one more time for Gators back

09:26:31.180 --> 09:26:37.360
And I do have a special guest that will be joining us Talbadar as you might know him or Rodney Paray

09:26:37.520 --> 09:26:39.680
He's gonna be joining us for some words

09:26:45.080 --> 09:26:47.080
Hello BlizzCon

09:26:47.760 --> 09:26:51.520
On behalf of the World of Warcraft development team, I would like to give a

09:26:51.520 --> 09:26:55.920
congratulations to Gators back for their victory here tonight.

09:26:55.920 --> 09:27:00.880
We have a packed house here. We had over a hundred thousand players watching

09:27:00.880 --> 09:27:03.840
online from around the world and thank you for watching and for your

09:27:03.840 --> 09:27:09.760
viewership. The Roars from the crowd tonight were bitter old and the chance

09:27:09.760 --> 09:27:12.880
were really exciting when players were gonna glow and getting stunned behind

09:27:12.880 --> 09:27:17.440
the pillar. It was amazing to be here for this event. Thank you.

09:27:17.760 --> 09:27:25.080
Wow, Arena has a special place in my heart.

09:27:25.080 --> 09:27:27.400
It's been 20 years and I have many, many friends.

09:27:27.400 --> 09:27:30.480
Some of my best friends are from this game and I'm sure it's the case for many of you

09:27:30.480 --> 09:27:31.480
as well.

09:27:31.480 --> 09:27:34.520
I've been playing PvP all these years with all of you and I'm so proud to be a part

09:27:34.520 --> 09:27:39.240
of this community and with you guys.

09:27:39.240 --> 09:27:46.760
So let's hear it one more time for Gators back!

09:27:46.760 --> 09:27:58.520
Thank you guys so much for watching. Thank you to all of the WoW eSports fans that supported

09:27:58.520 --> 09:28:04.520
us through MDI and AWC. I hope you had a tremendous bliss con. We will see everyone next season.

09:29:46.760 --> 09:29:50.760
BlizzCon was brought to you by MSI.

09:29:50.760 --> 09:29:56.760
Take the next step in upgrading your visual experience with MSI's QD OLED monitors.

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Gigabyte, upgrade your life.

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Secret Lab, pro-grade ergonomics for the highest level of play.

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Let's go.

09:31:53.760 --> 09:31:59.480
BlizzCon is brought to you by MSI.

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Take the next step in upgrading your visual experience with MSI's QD OLED monitors.

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Built to last, brilliance ahead.

09:32:08.280 --> 09:32:11.080
Gigabyte, upgrade your life.

09:32:11.080 --> 09:32:15.780
Secret Lab, pro-great ergonomics for the highest level of play.

09:32:41.080 --> 09:32:43.140
you

09:33:11.080 --> 09:33:13.140
you

09:33:41.080 --> 09:33:43.140
you

09:34:11.080 --> 09:34:13.140
you

09:34:41.080 --> 09:34:43.140
you

09:35:11.080 --> 09:35:13.140
you